June 23, 2015

 Exemption No. 11872

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–0260

Mr. Mike Gawelek

AerialMG, Inc.

20506 West Slater Road

Trivoli, IL 61569

Dear Mr. Gawelek:

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.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter dated January 29, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of AerialMG, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The 

exemption would allow the petitioner to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct aerial photography and inspection.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined 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 Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom 3.
2

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public 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 FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification 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. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 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 Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described 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, AerialMG, Inc. 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, AerialMG, Inc. is hereafter referred to as the operator.
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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 3

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 operating 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 maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO 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 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 this 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 

limitations 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 operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 
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documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated 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 FAA’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 operation 

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 must 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 is 

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 components, 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 Colombia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review 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 

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

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 
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14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, 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 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 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 flight 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 symbol 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 the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

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

20. The PIC is prohibited 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 the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

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) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.
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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 nonparticipating 

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 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 controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized 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 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.

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.
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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 Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

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

the UAS;

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

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder 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

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

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.
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This exemption terminates on June 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service
Mike Gawelek

AerialMG, Inc. 

20506 W Slater Rd Trivoli IL 61569

TELEPHONE 309-306-1051 

Jan 29th, 2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

. 

Re: Exemption Request; Section 333 of the FAA Modernization & Reform Act 

and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations from 14 C.F.R. 

45.23(b);14 CFR Part 21 ;14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b); 91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2); 

91.103(b); 91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151 (a); 91.203(a) & (b); 91.405 

(a); 91.407(a) (1 ); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.417 (a) & (b). 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Petitioner hereby petitions the Secretary of Transportation and Federal Aviation 

Administration ("FAA") for exemption to the above referenced and below more fully 

described Federal Aviation Regulations, ("FARs") that currently may or may not apply to 

the recreational/business operations of model aircraft including small unmanned aerial 

vehicles/systems ("SUAVs"). 

1. Prefatory Statement to Petition 

In June, 1981, the FAA published an advisory circular, AC 91-57, (an advisory 

publication giving non-regulatory information/guidance. Advisory circulars do not create 
or change regulations and are not binding on the public.) AC 91-57 was entitled "Model 

Aircraft Operating Standards" and gave non-regulatory suggestions to model aircraft 

operators on suggested procedures for operating their models. This was the sole 

publication by the FAA which addressed model aircraft and SUAVs for the next nearly 

25 years. 

In September 2005, the FAA appeared to turn its attention toward 

unprecedented attempts at regulating model aircraft specifically the more modern 

SUAVs. The FAA, for the first time in history now termed these devises as Unmanned 

Aerial Systems ("UAS") seemingly to align with their attempts at enforcement. The FAA 

published "AFS-400 UAS POLICY 05-01 -Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations in 

the U. S. National Airspace System-Interim Operational Approval Guidance." This 

interim internal FAA memo expressly confirms that "[t]his policy is not meant as a 

substitute for any regulatory process." Still, it purported to "require" a Certificate of 

Authorization ("COA") or Waiver to use SUAVs. The new FAA policy relied on 

legal/regulatory "authority" on the non-regulatory, AC 91-57. 

Ill 

In February, 2007 the FAA, published a 2007 "policy statement" in the Federal 

Register. The 2007 Policy Statement starts by defining ".unmanned aircraft" as "a device 

that is used, or intended to be used, for flight in the air with no onboard pilot" and it 

purported to include "a remotely controlled model airplane used for recreational 

purposes." The FAA termed these devices UAS and then purported to articulate the 

new FAA "policy" for "UAS" operations was that "no person may operate a "UAS" in the 

National Airspace System without specific authority." For the first time ever, the 2007 

Notice purported to articulate two new alleged "rules": (1) Model aircraft can no longer 

be operated for a "business" purpose; and (2) a Model aircraft operated for a business 
purpose requires a COA, or special Certificate of Operating Authority and therefore is 

subject to the FARs. 

Thereafter, beginning in 2007, and continuing to present, apparently based on 

these two new FAA internal "policies" and without citing to any actual federal law, or 

FARs, the FAA then sent various cease and desist notices to model aircraft SUAV 

operators describing the COA process and threatening to impose a $10,000 fine if they 

did not comply with the new FAA policies which the FAA indicated created a "ban" on 

using SUAVs for any "business purpose." 

In 2012, following the FAA's attempts to regulate using internal policy memos, 

Congress enacted the Federal Aviation Administration Reform and Modernization Act, 

["FRMA"]. The FRMA allows the Secretary of Transportation to "exempt" SUAVs from 

existing Federal Law, FARs to the extent any federal law or FAR actually currently 

applies to SUAVs. 

Petitioner at all times has and operates his SUAVs following the safety 

guidelines of AC 91-57. 

2. Petition for Exemption 

With the above preface, pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 ("FMRA") and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, AerialMG, Inc., developer 

and operator of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ("SUAVs") equipped to conduct aerial 

photography/Inspection/ included but not limited to the following; Business Operations: 

over land, water-ways, and oceans; operation over/in non-restricted National Parks, 

National Forests, flight in non-navigable airspace, using non-intrusive recording 

devices, operation in otherwise unrestricted U.S. States/Territories hereby applies for 

an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow commercial 

operation of its SUAVs, so long 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. 

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the 

operation of SUAVs under controlled conditions in airspace that is 1) limited; 2) 

predetermined; and 3) controlled as to access. The exemption would also provide 

safety enhancements to the already safe operations within the aerial photography, film 

and television industry presently using conventional aircraft and small, unmanned and 

relatively inexpensive SUAVs. 

Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary 

of Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to" ... establish 

requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace 

system." Section 333(c) of the FMRA. 

3. Name and Address of the Petitioner 

AerialMG, Inc. 

Attn: Mike Gawelek

Ph: 309-306-1051

Email: AerialMG@gmail.com

Address: 20506 W Slater Rd Trivoli IL 61569

4. Regulations Petitioner Petitions for Exemption, If Such Regulations Apply to 

SUAVs 

14 CFR Part 21 14 C.F.R. 91.109 14 CFR 91.405 (a) 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 14 C.F. R. 91.119 14 CFR 407 (a) (1) 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 CFR 409 (a) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 14 CFR 91.151 (a) 14 CFR 417 (a) & (b) 

14 CFR 91.9 (b) (2) 14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b) 
14 C.F.R. 91.103 

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in 

passing Section 333 (a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of 

Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate 

safely in the national airspace system ("NAS") before completion of the rulemaking 

required under Section 332 of the FMRA. In making this determination, the Secretary is 

required to determine which types of SUAVs/UASs do not create a hazard to users of 

the NAS, or the public, or pose a threat to national security in light of the following: 

A. The SUAVs size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

B. Operation of the SUAVs in close proximity to airports and populated areas; 

C. Operation of the SUAVs within visual line of sight of the operator. FMRA §333 

(a). 

Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles "may operate safely in the 

national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system." /d. §333(c) (emphasis 

added). The Petitioner interprets this provision to place the duty on the Secretary/FAA 

Administrator to not only process applications for exemptions under section 333, but for 

the Secretary/Administrator to affirmatively craft conditions for the safe operation of the 

SUAVs, if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the 

statutory requirements for approval. 

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the Secretary/FAA Administrator the 

authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting 

civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §401 01 of the Act, which currently may or 

hereafter may include SUAVs, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a 

current airworthiness certificate. 
The Secretary/FAA Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of 

a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 

44702-44716 of this title if the Secretary/FAA Administrator finds the exemption in the 

public interest. 49 U.S.C. §44701 (f). See also 49 USC §44711 (a); 49 USC §44704; 14 

CFR §91.203 (a) (1 ). 

The AerialMG, Inc.'s SUAVs are multi-rotorcraft equipped with an on 

board NAZA computer stabilization controller and GPS, weighting 55 lbs or less and 

most typically less than 20 lbs., including camera/payload. They operate, under normal 

conditions, at speeds of 5-40 KIAS and at a speed of no more than 50 KIAS and have 

the capability to hover and move in the vertical and horizontal plane independently/ 

simultaneously. They will operate in line of sight and will operate only within the areas 

described herein. Such operations will insure that the SUAVs will "not create a hazard 

to users of the NAS or the "public" as described in the FMRA §333(b). 

Given the small size of the SUAVs involved, and the limited environment within 

which they will operate, the Petitioner falls squarely within that zone of safety (an 

equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by 

exemption, allow commercial operations of SUAVS to commence immediately. Also, 

due to the size of the SUAVs and the restricted areas in which the relevant SUAVs will 

operate, approval of the application presents no national security issue. 

Given the clear direction in FMRA §333, the authority contained in the Federal 

Aviation Act, as amended, the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the 

proposed operations, and the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety, 

reduction in environmental impacts (including reduced emissions associated with 

allowing SUAVs for filming operations rather than full-sized aircraft, the grant of the 

requested exemptions is in the public interest. Accordingly, the Petitioner respectfully 
requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

5. Limitations and Conditions 

The Petitioner proposes that the exemption requested herein be issued pursuant 

the limitations and conditions listed herein. These conditions/limitations provide for an 

even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory structure which 

apply to actual certificated aircraft because the proposed operations represent a safety 

enhancement to the already very safe SUAVs filming operations conducted by 

recreational SUAVs and conventional aircraft. 

These limitations and conditions to which AerialMG agrees to be bound 

when conducting business/commercial operations under this FAA issued exemption 

include: 

A. The SUAVs maximum take-off weight ("MTOW") will be less than 55 lbs., 

usually less than 25 lbs. 

B. Flights will be operated within the line of sight of the Operator and/or 

observer. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 60 minutes or less. 

Flights will be terminated and not less than 1 0% battery power reserve, which should 

that occur prior to the 60 minute limit. 

C. The Operator may designate and supervise another experienced SUAV 

operator to operate the SUAVs subject to the supervision and direction of the Operator. 

D. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground 

level ("AGL") underneath navigable airspace. Minimum crew for each business 

operation will consist of the SUAVs' Operator, the Visual Observer/Camera Operator, if 

required for the operation. Flights will not be operated in Class A, B, C, or D airspace 

but may be operated in class E and G airspace, provided the SUAVs 

Operator/Observer maintains visual line of sight with the SUAVs and safe separation 
from actual certificated aircraft in the airspace. 

E. Briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned SUAVs operations prior to 

each day's production activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be 

either Operator or visual observer/camera operator be present for this briefing. The 

Operator will review weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances 

and aircraft performance data before initiation of flight. The SUAVs and batteries to be 

used will be safety inspected prior to flight using appropriate checklists. 

F. The Operator will attempt to obtain the consent of all persons involved in the 

filming and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 25 feet of the 

flight operation. 

G. Operator and observer/camera operator will have been trained in operation of 

SUAVs generally and received up-to-date information on the particular SUAVs to be 

operated. 

H. Operator and Observer/Camera Operator shall at all times during flight 

operation, be in direct voice/radio communication. 

I. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders may be 

obtained. All required permissions and permits may be obtained from territorial, state, 

county or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate 

governmental agencies. If the SUAVs loses communications or loses its GPS signal, 

the UAS will have capability to return to home/pre-determined location within the 

Security Perimeter and land.

J. The SUAVs will have the capability to abort a flight, in case of unpredicted 

obstacles or emergencies. The Operator shall carry/use appropriate LIPO battery 

protective bags and fire extinguishing equipment. 

6. Description of Regulations Which May Apply From Which Petitioner Requests 
Exception 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. 

§91.203 (a) (1) 

Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural 

requirements for the issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 

(a) (1). Given the size and limited operating area associated with the SUAVs to be 

utilized by the Petitioner, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements 

of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the FMRA. The 

Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 of the FMRA both authorize 

the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports 

and populated areas of the particular SUAVs. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria 

demonstrates that the UAS operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the 

restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at least as safe, or 

safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an 

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions proposed. 

The SUAVs to be operated hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, is by 

definition unmanned and carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no explosive 

materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a limited flight area. 

Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and 

monitored by the Operator and will also remain within the requirements of, and in 

compliance with, local public safety requirements. These safety enhancements, which 

already apply to civil aircraft provide a greater degree of safety to the public and 

property owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates 

issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Lastly, application of these same criteria 

demonstrates that there is no credible threat to national security posed by the UAS due 
to its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or 

flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external load. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking of the Aircraft 

The regulation requires; When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" 

and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category 

aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also 

display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in 

letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," 

"restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. 

Even though the SUAVs will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may 

be needed as the SUAVs will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on 

which the word "Experimental" can be placed. Given the size of the SUAVs, two-inch 

lettering will be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed on the fuselage in 

compliance with §45.29 (f). The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the 

SUAVs marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and 

others working with the SUAVs will see the identification of the SUAVs as 

"Experimental." The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation to 

Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167 and 10167 A. 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Operator. 

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. 

Because the SUAVs is unmanned and will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed 

operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring 

the Operator operating the aircraft to have a FAA ground school course rather than a 

commercial pilot's license to operate this small SUAVs. Unlike a conventional aircraft 

that carries the pilot and passengers, the SUAVs is remotely controlled with no living 
thing on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are 

planned and coordinated in advance. The level of safety provided by the requirements 

included herein exceed that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot's 

certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of 

the SUAVs are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial 

operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the 

SUAVs as requested with a private pilot as the Operator exceeds the present level of 

safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b). 

14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil aircraft airworthiness. 

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in 

airworthy condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, 

should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining 

airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements contained herein for 

the use of safety check lists prior to each flight, an equivalent level of safety will be 

provided. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil 

aircraft .. 

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of 

this chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or 

Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any 

combination thereof. 

The SUAVS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such 

a flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because 

there is no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. 
The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the SUAVs 

operation manual and appropriate checklists at the ground control point where the pilot 

flying the SUAVs will have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued the following 

exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 

95658, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Pre-flight action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before 

flight to insure the safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be 

provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will 

be provided as set forth hereinabove. The Operator will take all actions including 

reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and 

aircraft performance data before initiation of flight using appropriate checklists. 

14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight instruction: 

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a 

manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully 

functioning dual controls. 

SUAVs and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do not have fully functional 

dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of a radio transmitter that 

communicates with the aircraft via a receiver in the SUAVs. The FAA has approved 

exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of 

aircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos.5778K &

9862A. The equivalent level of safety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor 

passengers will be carried in the aircraft and by the size and speed of the aircraft. 

14 C.F.R. §91.119: Minimum safe altitudes 

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 
91.119 (d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, 

provided the person operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes 

prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. This exemption is for a SUAVS and the 

exemption requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 AGL underneath 

navigable airspace and in class E and G airspace maintaining safe separation from 

actual aircraft, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of 

the UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the 

permission of the property owner or local officials. Because of the advance notice to 

the property owner and participants in the filming activity, attempts will be made to 

contact all affected individuals regarding the planned flight operations. Compared to 

flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 551bs. 

proposed herein, and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these 

operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft. In 

addition, the low-altitude operations of the SUAVs will ensure separation between these 

SUAVs operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with 

Section 91.119. 

14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings 

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising 

altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set " ... to the elevation of the departure 

airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure." As the SUAVs 

may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption 

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

pursuant to the Manual and Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site 

shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. 
14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions 

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning "a flight in an airplane 

under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there 

is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising 

speed - (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly 

after that for at least 45 minutes." 

The battery powering the SUAVs provides approximately between 1 0-60 minutes 

of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, 

SUAVs flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the 

limitations on the SUAVs proposed flight area and the location of its proposed 

operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night 

VFR conditions is reasonable. 

Petitioner believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151 (a) falls within the 

scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin 

Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the SUAVs 

in controlled area where only people and property owners or official representatives 

who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of flight operation 

time, does not give rise to the type of risks that Section 91.151 (a) was intended to 

alleviate particularly given the size and speed of the SUAVs. Additionally, limiting 

SUAV flights to 20 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will 

be granted. 

Petitioner believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting 

flights to 60 minutes or no less than 10% of battery power, whichever happens first. 

This restriction would be more than adequate to return the SUAVs to its planned 

landing zone from anywhere within its limited operating area. 
Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 

2689F, 5745, 10673, and 10808.

14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 

(a) Except as provided in§ 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless 

it has within it the following: 

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate .... 

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate 

required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under 

§91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers 

or crew. 

The SUAVs fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs and typically less than 20 

lbs. And is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability or place to 

carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the SUAVs. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the 

ground control point where the operator/pilot flying the SUAVs will have immediate 

access to them, to the extent they are applicable to the SUAVs. The FAA has issued 

numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of other exceptions 

includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797 A, 9816A, and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. §91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections 

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that 

aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required 

inspections, except as provided in paragraph© of this section, have discrepancies 

repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter ... ," and others shall inspect or maintain 

the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. 
Given that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness 

certificate, and the requirements of pre-flight inspection required herein, these sections 

will not apply to the applicant. Routine and pre-flight maintenance will be accomplished 

by the operator. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these SUAVs 

are very limited in size and will carry a very small payload and operate only in restricted 

areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise the SUAVs can land 

immediately and given its small size poses very little risk to persona or property. The 

operator will ensure that the SUAVs is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform 

required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the 

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the 

aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level of safety. 

Ill 

7. Publication Summary 

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication 

in the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed: 

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the following rules: 

14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113( a) & (b);91.7 

(a); 91.9 (b) (2);91.103(b);91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 

91.405 (a); 91.407 (a) (1 ); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to 

operate commercially a SUAVS vehicle (551bs or less) for Aerial Photography 

Operations. 

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of SUAVs for aerial 

photography/Inspection for the following; Business Operations: over land, water-ways, 

and oceans; operation over/in non restricted National Parks, National Forests, flight in 

non-navigable airspace, using non-intrusive recording devices, operation in otherwise 
unrestricted US States/Territories will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional 

film operations, using jet or piston power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes, just 

feet from the subject being filmed, and in extreme proximity to people and structures; 

and present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 4,000 

lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel. In addition such actual certificated 

aircraft must fly to and from the film location. In contrast, a SUAVs weighing fewer than 

55 lbs., and powered by batteries rather than fuel, eliminates virtually all of that risk. 

The SUAV is driven/carried to the film set, not flown. The SUAVS will carry no 

passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose any crew to the risks associated with 

manned aircraft flights. 

The operation of SUAVs, weighing less than 55 lbs., conducted in the strict 

conditions outlined above, will provide at least an equivalent level of safety supporting 

the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including exempting the Petitioner from 

the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These lightweight 

aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a line of sight, relatively 

sterile environment and are, as a result, far safer than conventional operations 

conducted with actual aircraft/helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and 

people. 

8. Privacy 

All business/commercial fl.ights which occur over private or controlled access 

property will be with the property owner's prior consent and knowledge. Filming will be 

of people who have also consented to being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in 

the area where filming will take place. Petitioner will not infringe on any individual or 

landowner privacy rights. 

Limited nighttime operations may be conducted. Nighttime as defined FARs in 
Section is as follows 1.1. "Night means the time between the end of evening civil twilight 

and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, 

converted to local time." Night operations may be conducted by the SUAVs following 

the guidelines above and provided such operations have sufficient lighting so that 

Petitioner/Operator maintains visual line of sight. Allowing SUAVs this exemption will 

provide a far safer nighttime filming alternative to the current full size aircraft operations. 

9. Conclusion

The FAA's purported "ban" on business/commercial Model Aircraft!UAVs 

operations has actually had the current effect of causing American skies to be less 

safe. There are many actual certificated pilots who are exceptionally qualified to fly 

model aircraft!SUAVs with their model aircraft!SUAVs experience, private, commercial 

or ATP pilot training, licenses and instructor ratings. However, these experienced 

operators and licensed pilots familiar with the FARs, airspace and safe operating 

procedures are currently reluctant to commercially operate model aircraft!SUAVs or be 

involved, for fear of the FAA seeking an enforcement action against them or their actual 

pilot's licenses. 

Presently, during the pendency of these issues in the Pirker case, it defies safety 

or regulatory logic that according to the FAA's current alleged "ban" on business 

operations of SUAVs, your average enthusiastic 12 year old, who's well meaning Father 

bought him a quadcopter SUAV equipped with a camera, can operate his SUAV 

wherever he wants and take whatever recreational video/pictures subject only to the 

suggestions of FAA AC 91-57 and yet an FAA certificated private/commerciai/ATP pilot 

cannot be paid to use far higher quality and equipped SUAVs to take an aerial photo, 

search for missing persona or aerially inspect a farmer's field, despite the significant 

improvement in safety over non-pilots operating SUAVs recreationally and real aircraft 
used for aerial photography. 

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the FMRA of 2012, and 

requiring the SUA V's Operator to have or obtain medical a certificate and an actual 

pilot's license and considering the small size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, 

limited operations in proximity to airports and populated areas and operation within 

visual line of sight and national security-all of which provide more than adequate 

justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing business /commercial 

operation of applicant's SUAVs for aerial photography/inspection as requested herein. 

If this firm can be of any further assistance in processing this request, or you 

have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly, in 

writing.

AerialMG, Inc.

Mike Gawelek 

cc: James Williams, FAA 

Les Dorr, FAA, Allison Duquette, FAA