June 24, 2015

 Exemption No. 11847A

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-1068

Mr. Nicholas McMahon

President

McMahon Helicopter Services, Inc.

Executive Heliport Building

8351 Ronda Drive

Canton, MI 48187

Dear Mr. McMahon:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your petition for an amendment. It explains 

the basis for our decision, describes its effect, and lists any changes to the original conditions 

and limitations.

By letter dated June 17, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of McMahon Helicopter Services, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

amendment to your current exemption. That exemption from §§ 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) of Title 14, Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR) allows the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data 

collection. You requested an amendment to conduct closed-set motion picture and television 

filming.

In your petition, you indicate that there has been no change in the conditions and reasons 

relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the original exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested amendment to the exemption would not set a 

precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner. The 

unmanned aircraft(s) authorized in the original grant are comparable in type, size, weight, 

speed and operating capabilities to those in this petition.
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Our Decision

The FAA has determined that the justification for the issuance of Exemption No. 11847 

remains valid and is in the public interest. Therefore, under the authority contained 

in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, the operator is 

granted an amendment to add closed-set motion picture and television filming to its UAS 

operations.

The operator shall add this amendment to its original exemption.

 

Conditions and Limitations

All conditions and limitations within Grant of Exemption No. 11847 remain in effect except 

as follows. Condition No. 2 has been updated to permit closed-set motion picture and 

television filming. 

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. 

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

permitted.

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

Sincerely,

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service
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Daniels, Nia (FAA)

From: Nick McMahon <nick@mcmahonhelicopters.com>

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 2:50 PM

To: Daniels, Nia (FAA)

Subject: Re: FAA-2015-1068 McMahon Helicopter Servicces, Inc.

Attachments: Motion Picture & Television Manual.pdf

Nia: 

Attached is our FAA Approved Motion Picture & Television Manual, which was enclosed in our original filing. 

This document is CONFIDENTIAL and proprietary and shall NOT be filed publicly. Please review and let me 

know if you require any additional information in order to remove the closed set motion picture work from our 

COA. 

Thank you, 

N 

Nick McMahon 

President 

Executive Heliport Building 

8351 Ronda Drive 

Canton, MI 48187-2079 

1.800.752.8590 toll free 

1.734.459.5980 direct 

1.734.459.6315 fax 

1.313.949.0004 cell 

nick@mcmahonhelicopters.com

www.mcmahonhelicopters.com

Demo Reels: http://vimeo.com/channels/mcmahon

On Jun 17, 2015, at 1:31 PM, <Nia.Daniels@faa.gov> <Nia.Daniels@faa.gov> wrote: 

Mr. McMahon,

In order to receive an exemption for closed‐set filming, you will need to submit a copy of your motion

picture and television operations manul.
2

Thank you,

Nia Daniels, ARM‐108

Federal Aviation Administration

Office of Rulemaking, Airmen & Airspace Rules Division

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591

PH: (202) 267 ‐ 7626

Fax: (202) 267 ‐ 5075

nia.daniels@faa.gov

From: Nick McMahon [mailto:nick@mcmahonhelicopters.com] 

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 12:45 PM 

To: Rummel, Amanda CTR (FAA) 

Cc: Daniels, Nia (FAA); Nathaniel McMahon 

Subject: Re: FAA-2015-1068 McMahon Helicopter Servicces, Inc.

 

Good afternoon Amanda and Nia, 

 

I received our COA, however for some reason it is restricting us from conducting closed-set film 

production operations. This was one of the UAS operations we have requested permission for. A 

copy of our FAA approved Motion Picture & Television Manual was included with our 

application documents and was labeled confidential. According to the requirements outlined in 

your letter, this should satisfy that item as we already operate under that manual utilizing our 

certified aircraft. Please let me know what additional information is needed (if any) to lift that 

restriction from our COA. 

 

Thank you, 

 

 

 

 

 

Nick McMahon

President

<image001.png>

Executive Heliport Building

8351 Ronda Drive

Canton, MI 48187-2079

1.800.752.8590 toll free

1.734.459.5980 direct

1.734.459.6315 fax

1.313.949.0004 cell

nick@mcmahonhelicopters.com

www.mcmahonhelicopters.com

Demo Reels: http://vimeo.com/channels/mcmahon

 

On Jun 17, 2015, at 11:54 AM, Amanda.CTR.Rummel@faa.gov wrote: 

 

Mr. McMahon,
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Please see attached decision document and COA.  If you have any questions, please

contact Nia Daniels at 202‐267‐9677.

Amanda Rummel

Editor, PAI Consulting

<FAA-2015-1068-333E McMahon Helicopter Services, Inc. Small UAS 

Operations 200 feet and below 6-17-2015.pdf><McMahon Helicopter Serivces, 

Inc- 11847.pdf>