June 30

, 2015

Exemption No. 11957 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 1401

Mr. Brian A. Pfaehler DronEye Imaging, LLC
5127 S 200 W Trafalgar, IN 46181

Dear Mr. Pfaehler :

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends.

By letter dated April 28, 2015 , you petitio ned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on
behalf of DronEye Imaging, LLC ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption . The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial photography, cinematography, videography, mapping, crop surveying, and inspections

.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing the proposed operations and
the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption

.

The FAA has det ermined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner

.

Airworthiness C ertification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus and DJI Inspire

.

In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic Law 112

− 95 in
reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation
has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA2

finds that relief from 14 CFR part 21

, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection 1

. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s

. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA

− 2014

− 0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications des cribed by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that

—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 ;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and
11213 also apply to the situation you present; and

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, DronEye Imaging, LLC is granted an exemption from
14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and ( c ), 61.101(e)(4 ) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a) , 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection

. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, DronEye Imaging, LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (part iculate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by
instruments aboard the UA.3

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2
Vision Plus and DJI Inspire when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to
amend this exemption

.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming are

not permitted.

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operat ing airspeed recommended by the
aircraft manufacturer.

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

5. The UA 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 or U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must 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 maint ains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ;

e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation fo r the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in thi s grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating
documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and
limita tions in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The ope rator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised4

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present up dated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FA A’s UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS op eration or flight characteristics, e.g.

, replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and mu st remain at
least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it i s in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre

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

, inoperable comp onents, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the
UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and
aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in
14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and
main taining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with5

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (trai ni ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training operat ions may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During
traini ng, 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 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual f

light rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may 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 sym bo l as denoted on the current
FAA

- published aeronautical chart, 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 must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. 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.

18. If t he UAS loses communications or loses its GPS sign al, the UA must return to a

pre

- determined location within the pr ivate or controlled

- access property.

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

20. The PIC is prohibit ed from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by t he manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to con duct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA

.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N− Number) mar kings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.6

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and
activities at all times.

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

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonpartici pating 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 r emain 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 in a manner ensuring the safety of nonparticipating 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 are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or aut horized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the opera tional area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported
to the FA A'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

.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.7

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standa rds District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the a rea 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 p hone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of th e person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the UAS;
d. Make, model, and serial or N− Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certifica te 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 or representative; and
h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes
essentia l 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 exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.8

This exemption terminates on July 31, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

EnclosuresApril 2 8 , 2015

DronEye Imaging , LLC

5127 S 200 W Trafalgar, IN 46181 Cell ( 317 ) 4 43

- 7013
Cell ( 317 ) 748

- 8696
Email: bpfaeh@gmail.com meb2461@gmail.com

U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 2059

RE: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act of 2012

Attachments:

1

. Phantom 2 Vision Plus (Quick Start Guide)

2

. Ph antom pilot training guide V1.1

3

. I nspire 1 Quick Start Guide V1.2

References:

1. FAA Exemption No. 11138, Regulatory Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0481 in the matter of the petition of DOUGLAS TRUDEAU

2. FAA Exemption No. 11136, Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 2014

– 0508 in the matter of the petition of ADVANCED AVIATION SOLUTIONS LLC

3. FAA Exemption No. 11080 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0355 in the matter of the petition of FLYING CAM INC

Dear Sir or Madam,

In accordance with the FAA’s Guidelines for Submitting a Petition for Exemption under section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

, DronEye, LLC , referred to hereafter as the petitioner, request s exemption from the following sections of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations §§

**61.113(a); 61.113(b); 91.119(c); 91.121; 91.151(a); 91. 405(a); 91.407(a)(1); 91.409**  **(a)(1); 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) & (b);**In order to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS ’s ) commercially in airspace regulated

by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the purposes of aerial photography, cinematography, videography, mapping, crop surveying, inspections and other flight operations that could be performed safely and more cost effectively with the use of small UAS at low altitude within the U.S. national airspace system as compared to a manne d aircraft. Operations will be performed only at the request of and with the authorization and permission of clients or their authorized agents in order to facilitate commerce and raise awareness of the beneficial uses of small unmanned air systems. So lon g as such operations are conducted within and
under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by
Section 333. The conditions identified and proposed by the petitioner are drawn from
references 1

- 3.

**The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)**  The petitioner seeks exempti on from the above mentioned FARs for the following reasons;

**Section 61.113**  **(a); 61.113**  **(b)**
Th e petitioner requests relief in order to facilitate the utilization of pilots, who hold a PRIVATE PILOT (or greater) certificate. Any pilots operating under this exemption would be required to comply with any conditions as set forth and in a similar fashion to the previously granted exemptions.

**Section 91.119(c)** 

As referenced in Exemption 11138 (DOUGLAS TRUDEAU), operations conducted closer than 500 feet to the ground may require that the UA be operated closer than 500 feet to essential persons, or objects that would not be possible without additional relief. The petitioner re quests waiver for this condition to allow reasonable and responsible operations in areas of subdivisions and neighborhoods if required.

**Section 91.121** 

As referenced in Exemption 11138 (DOUGLAS TRUDEAU) is inapplicable since the UAS does not
have an altim eter and instead utilizes electronic GPS with a barometric sensor for altitude
information.

**Section 91.151(a)** 

As referenc ed in Exe mption 11136 (ADVANCED AVIATION SOLUTIONS LLC) prior relief has been granted for man ned aircraft to operate at less than the prescribed minimums, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. In addition, similar UAS

- specific relief has been granted in Exemption numbers 8811, 10808, and 10673 for daytime, VFR conditions. The UAS provides battery power remaining in percent to the PIC. The UA batteries provide approximately 2 0 minutes of powered flight. Information provided in the operating documents discusses procedures regarding remaining battery power management. Those documents contain a
condition in which the PIC will initi ate a landing procedure when battery remaining reaches a specified level. Given the limitations on proposed operations and the location of thoseproposed operations, the FAA found that a reduced minimum power reserve for flight in

daytime VFR conditions wa s reasonable.

**Section 91.405(a); 91.407(a)**  **(1); 91.409 (a)**  **(1), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a); 91.417 (b)** 

As referenc ed in Exemption 11138 (DOUGLAS TRUDEAU), the petitioner proposes to inspect
and ensure that the UAS is in a condition for saf e flight in accordance with the operating
documents. The FAA found that adherenc e to the petitioner’s operating documents and the
conditions and limitations specified, describing the requirements for maintenance, inspection,
and record keeping , were s ufficient to ensure that safety would not be adversely affected.

**UAS ’s**  **; DJI Phantom**  **2 Vision Plus or**  **DJI Inspire** The requested exemption would permit commercial operation of DronEye, LLC’s UAS's, which weigh
b etween 5 and 15 lbs. and perform precision ser vices that consist of high quality still photographs and videography taken by onboard cameras. UAS ’s for aerial services reduce the need to utilize conventional
manned aircraft s for the same purpose a t a fraction of the cost; additionally, UAS’s services can provide

an increase in efficiency and productivity for the affected activities and a decrease in fuel emissions providing environmental benefits. Operations under the exemption will be subject to strict operating requirements and conditions to ensure , at minimum, an equivalent level of safety to currently authorized operations using manned aircraft and under conditions as may be modified by the FAA as required by Section 333.

The UAS's will be operated under controlled conditions at low altitu de in airspace that is limited in scope, as described herein; it will have automated control features, as described in the attached
manuals. The UAS ’s also will be operated by an individual who possesses an FAA Private Pilot Certificate
and valid US Driver ’s License. Finally, the airspace in which the UAS will operate will be Class G airspace or airspace approved by the FAA in advance.

Approval of these exemptions would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA Administ rator’s) responsibilities under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act to “establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.”

The petitioner has re viewed FAA exemptions reference s 1

- 3 Conditions and Limitat ions section
and agree s that the procedures specified therein are reasonable and will be utilized in order to manage and mitigate risk and ensure public safety. A preflight checklist will be developed and employed to ensure that the UA S’s airworthiness will be verified prior to each launch.

The petitioner request that in a manner similar as described in reference 3, he be allowed to
operate within 5 mi les of an airport provided that:

“ The UA may not operate in Class B, C, or D airspace without written approval from the FAA. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of the geographic center of a nontowered airport as denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and th e 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 .”Operations within 5 miles of an airport are not anticipat ed to be routine but the petitioner is

requesting a mechanism to facilitate such activities without requesting a new and separate exemption(s) should the need arise. Operations within class B airspace are not requested due to the lack of mode C transponder

.

**Public interest**
Use of the UAS ’s in lieu of a manned aircraft would enhance safety and reduce the environmental impact as compared to similar operations conducted with manned aircraft s

. Additionally, use of the UAS ’s in order to facilitate commerce could lead to economic growth. Operations for this petition will enable service for property owners or their designees seeking
an enhanced perspective for characteristics, amenities , and benefits of their desired photographic subjects that cannot be displa yed through ground level photography or videography. The petitioner will provide clients with photographic data for these purposes on a ‘for hire’ basis acting as an inde pendent contractor; a visual observer will be utilized. Liability
insurance will be ob tained commensurate with the granting of this request for exemption. D ata may be submitted to FAA by traditional means, e.g. COA Monthly Reports, or other means as required or requested

.

**Conclusion** The petitioner is requesting this exemption for the purpo ses of “aerial photography, cinematography, videography, mapping, crop surveying, inspections and other flight operations”. The petitioner's business model is of the idea of offering ad hoc small UAS ’s

services to individuals or business entities who wish to employ these services as a safe, effective, and legal option to enhance their business or hobby.

C urrently , many other UAS operators are conducting business in exactly as described above
without FAA authorization. The petitioner has refrained from engaging in commercial use of the

UAS ’s . The primary purpose of seeking this exemption is to obtain the capability to offer those services while remaining in compliance. The petitioner possesses a Private Pilot Ce rtificate and has over 20 years of experien ce in the RC hobby and aviation.

Respectfully submitted

,

DronEye, LLC

Brian A. Pfaehler (Private Pilot Certificate #311026853)

Mark E. Bentley