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Date: 06/18/2015

Joshua Kalin

13079 Arbor Rdg

Madison, AL 3576

Dear Sir or Madam:

I seek an exemption from the following requirements of 14 C.F.R:

● 61.113(a) & (b)

● 91.7 (a)

● 91.103

● 91.119(c)

● 91.121

● 91.151(a) & (b)

● 91.203(a) & (b)

● 91.405(a)

● 91.407(a)(1)

● 91.409 (a)(1) & (2)

● 91.417(a)&(b)

to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

(FMRA).

I am requesting an exemption in order to commercially fly an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purposes of aerial 

photography, aerial surveying, and other similar activities. Using the UASs and safety measures described below will 

eliminate virtually all risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel compared to a traditional aircraft 

performing the same function. The UAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks 

associated with manned aircraft flights. The operation of small UAS conducted in the strict conditions outlined below, 

will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including exempting 

the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These UASs operate at very slow 

speeds, close to the ground, as a result, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with turbine helicopters 

operating in close proximity to the ground and people.

I plan to operate two UASs:

● DJI Phantom 3

● DJI Inspire 1
2

Both UASs are comprised of an unmanned aircraft (UA) and a transportable ground station. The UASs are commercially 

produced quadcopters and will not exceed a maximum gross weight of 55 pounds. They are equipped with four rotors

driven by electric motors powered by batteries. The UA will have a small lightweight camera attached.

The Pilot, Joshua Kalin, will provide the following levels of safety:

● I will only operate in reasonably safe environments that are strictly controlled, are away from power lines, 

elevated lights, airports and actively populated areas.

● I will conduct extensive preflight inspections and protocols, during which safety carries primary importance.

● I will operate the UA below 400 feet above ground level at all times.

● I will operate the UA below the maximum operating speed of 87 knots.

● I will operate the UAS for 80% of battery capacity and reserve 20% for return home and/or emergencies.

● I will land his UAS prior to the manufacturer's recommended minimum level of battery power.

● I will operate his UAS only within visual line of sight (VLOS).

● I will use the UAS global positioning system (GPS) flight safety feature whereby it hovers and then slowly lands 

if communication with the remote control pilot is lost.

● I will contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of my estimated flight time, 

flight duration, elevation of flight and other pertinent information.

● I will always obtain all necessary permissions prior to UAS operation.

● I will have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential danger.

Sincerely,

Joshua Kalin