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Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

April 28, 2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations 

Attn: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator 

West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Administrator, 

Aerial Enterprises (AE) would like the FAA to consider this letter as its Section 333 Waiver application 

to operate sUAS for photographic data collection for the insurance industry in a post catastrophe 

environment. 

AE was established in 1991 as a commercial operator of hot air balloons, Helium gas Balloons, Hot air 

Airships, and Helium Gas Airships providing a variety of aerial platforms to conduct a wide range of 

aerial work including operating under FAA Part 91 and 135. AE's aerial work includes operating 

manned balloons and blimps as aerial platforms for live television coverage of major sporting events, 

television commercial production, and filmmaking in "closed set" environments. 

In early 2014, a large insurance-adjusting firm who were seeking a sUAS aerial platform and operator 

that could aid them in their work to quickly settle claims through documenting post catastrophe wind 

and hail damage post tornado and/ or hurricane contacted AE. As the principal of AE I would like the 

Administrator to know that I am a Commercial Pilot of 35 years, an Academy of Model Aeronautics 

(AMA) member, an AUVSI member and have most recently become a Licensed Certified Insurance 

Adjuster or the States of Florida and Louisiana. I am on the roster of three (3) major insurance 

adjusting companies Renfroe, Worley, and National Claims who together serve State Farm, Liberty 

Mutual, Tower Hill, and Citizens insurance companies for all their property claims in the states of 

Florida and Louisiana. It is important to note that during times of post catastrophe states such as 

California, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and New Jersey all routinely 

issue emergency adjuster licenses to existing adjusters such as myself and other AE staff members. 

Furthermore, holders of Florida and Louisiana adjuster licenses enjoy reciprocity in nearly every state 

in the union except New York. For these reasons just mentioned and the unpredictability of where the 

next catastrophe will strike AE is seeking the Section 333 Waiver for this purpose for the entire 

continental United States. 

It is important for the Administrator to understand that insurance companies are required by law in a 

post catastrophe environment to "promptly investigate and adjust the claim" in order to help property 

owners return their property and life style to the pre-storm condition as quickly as possible. 

Insurance companies strive to make the first initial settlement within 10 days of the loss. In certain 

large catastrophic events such as Super Storm Sandy it can literally take years to settle all claims. In 

order to process the claim a licensed adjuster must document all the damage and estimate repairs. 

This data collection process is primarily done utilizing digital stili photography taken by a licensed 

adjuster climbing on rooftops. In a post catastrophe environment the infrastructure, such as roads and 

1 of8 
Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

power lines, are often compromised and large amounts of debris often times makes the job of the 

adjuster time consuming and dangerous attempting to get to the site of the loss to inspect the damage. 

This process is further slowed when a large event takes place wiping out entire neighborhoods. 

Unfortunately, this translates into long delays for property owners to get their first settlement check 

who are often times displaced from their homes for extended periods of time adding significant costs 

to their loss which only adds to insurance premium increases for all property owners. 

The benefits of using a sUAS operated by licensed pilots and observers for this purpose are both 

obvious and very much in the public interest. 

Upon the granting of this waiver application, AE intends to add multiple sUAS devices to its fleet and 

qualified personnel to its staff in order to address the specific need to conduct aerial photographic 

data collection in a post catastrophe environment for the insurance industry. 

Aerial Enterprises commends the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) recent action in publishing 

the new proposed sUAS rule and the Blanket COA provision for Section 333 Waiver holders. AE agrees 

with the FAA position that in some instances it is not necessary for the pilot and observer to hold an 

Airman's Certificate, however, AE firmly believes that in a post catastrophe environment where the 

airspace may become temporarily restricted it will be critical that AE sUAS pilot and observer teams 

are licensed under the CFR Title 14. AE understands that until the new rule becomes law the FAA still 

needs to ensure the safety of the NAS (National Airspace System) for all users. For that reason AE is 

staffed only with licensed pilots and subject matter experts (SME's) from the aviation, insurance, and 

photography industries. AE both already has and will continue to be trained in the best practices and 

standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for each sUAS 

AE intends to operate, while at the same time incorporating these same SOPs in AE's Operational 

Specifications (Ops Specs). 

AE has invested significant resources in sUAS platforms, as well as imaging and sensing devices in the 

effort to provide our customers with aerial photography services using only qualified and licensed 

pilot and observer operator teams who are familiar with applicable Federal Aviation regulations. 

It has been reported that there are now over 1 million sUAS platforms in operation today. Many of 

these ultra small lightweight (under 4.4lb) devices are currently being operated by hobbyists and 

people with no prior aviation experience in complete defiance and or ignorance of the FAA position on 

commercial operations of sUAS. In contrast AE will provide the same level of safety to its sUAS 

operations as it has for its manned Part 91 operations for the last 24 years, ensuring sUAS operations 

are also conducted within the legal guidelines as manned flight as well as any stipulations by the 

Administrator that may become part of this exemption if granted. 

It is the sincere hope of Aerial Enterprises, and its entire workforce, that the Administrator grants this 

exemption, as AE believes it has met the congressional mandate to "operate safely in the National 

Airspace System." 

Furthermore, it is AE's belief that in most cases AE can collect the photographic evidence insurance 

companies need without exceeding the 200ft. AGL stipulation contained in the FAA Blanket COA 

provision which adds another layer a safety to AE's proposed operations. 

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Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Information Supporting this Petition as Specified in 14 C.F.R. §11.81 

A. Mailing address and other contact information: 

Paul Woessner 

Aerial Enterprises 

73 Coquina Ridge Way 

Ormond Beach, FL 32174 

Paul.woessner2 @gmail.com 

Cell 1-386-5 7 6-7 404 

B. The specific section or sections of 14 C.F.R from which Aerial Enterprises seeks exemption 

are as follows: 

1. 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates. 

2. 14 CFR 91.203(a) & (b) Civil aircraft: Certifications required. 

3. 49 USC§ 44711 Prohibitions and exemption 

4. 14 CFR 45.23 Display of Marks; General and 45.29 Size of Marks. 

5. 14 CFR 91.9 Civil Aircraft Flight Manual, Marking, and Placard Requirements. 

6. 14 CFR 91.119 Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

7. 14 CFR 91.121 Altimeter Settings. 

8. 14 CFR 91.151 Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions. 

9. 14 CFR Subpart E (91.401- 91.417)- Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations. 

10. FAA Notice 8900.227 Paragraph 16(c) (4) PIC Medical and Paragraph 16(e)(1) Observer 

Medical. 

C. The extent of relief AE seeks, and the reason AE seeks the relief. 

Aerial Enterprises is requesting relief from multiple regulatory constraints under Title 14 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 21, 45, 61, 65,91 as well as other UAS regulatory guidance under 

FAA Notice 8900.227, Public Law 112-95, Title 49 United States Code (USC), with regards to 

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations, more specifically small UAS (sUAS) operations for 

commercial operations. 

AE would like, with the permission of the Administrator, to provide sUAS aerial imaging and sensing 

services with the intended use to include but not limit the following: 

• Aerial work including aerial photography, cinematography and survey 

• Surveying improved or unimproved properties 

o Roof tops and other structures 

o Exterior walls 

o Exterior appliances 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

o Power lines and poles 

o Gas line and refinery 

o Marinas and boat slips 

o Infra structure assessment at post natural disaster and or other catastrophic event 

sites 

Detailed below is a list of operational safeguards AE believes are essential for safe operations of which 

many have been previously approved by the Administer for similar sUAS operations. In addition, AE 

will not commence a sUAS operation that would create an undue hazard to users of the national 

airspace system (NAS), the public, or pose a threat to national security. 

AE believes this request is consistent with the congressional mandate in Section 333 of the FAA 

modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and will allow AE to operate sUAS in a legal, safe, and publicly 

beneficial way which far exceed the standards currently permitted for recreational use. 

D. The reasons why granting Aerial Enterprises' request would be in the public interest; that 

is, how it would benefit the public as a whole. 

By granting this exemption the public will directly benefit by aiding insurance companies to more 

quickly handle their property loss claims without compromising the safety of the public. Indirectly the 

public gains by insuring that the only sUAS devices permitted to be operating over a natural disaster 

site will be conducted by safe, professional, and accountable operators who will be conducting work in 

the public's interest under the parameters set forth in the requested Section 333 Waiver approval and 

under the jurisdiction of the FAA. 

The benefits of s UAS operations is exhaustive and the uses of these devises will allow public, private, 

and personal entities to benefit from the expertise AE has to offer while mitigating the physical safety 

hazards of the current legally approved imaging methods, as well as, the cost reduction and total time 

required to inspect made possible by sUAS platforms. 

• Public safety 

• United States infrastructure 

o Bridges inspection 

o Utility inspection 

• Power 

• Communication 

• Unimproved Property Imaging 

o Agricultural 

• Surveying 

• Crop Inspection 

• Improved Property Imaging 

o Commercial and Residential 

o Structural inspection 

o Exterior appliance inspection 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

• Economic Development Benefits 

• Advertisement 

AE is confident that the granting of this exemption will allow AE to begin providing a high quality 

solution for the insurance adjusting industry while minimizing the risk of accidents andfor damage to 

persons or property. The positive impact of getting a community "back up on its feet" after a storm 

will be felt by the families of our employees and the improved safety of our neighbors. 

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 Aerial Enterprises seeks the exemption: 

As previously stated AE sUAS operations will provide a level of safety that far exceeds the level of 

safety currently required by the FAA for hobbyist, as well as, manufacturers of model aircraft. The 

following operating procedures will apply during all sUAS operations under this exemption. 

1. The sUAS's that AE has chosen to add to it's fleet with are as follows: 

i. DJI Spreading Wings S1000+ with an MTOW of 24lbs. 

a. Optional DJI Lightbridge (Advanced Data link System) 

ii. 3D Robotics Iris+ with a MTOW of 4.6 lbs. 

For detailed specifications, operational procedures, and optional equipment please see 

included documentation. 

2. Approved airframes will not exceed an airspeed of 87 knots (100 miles per hour) or 

"maximum never-exceed speed (VNE)" published and/or recommended by the airframe 

manufacturer, whichever is lower. 

3. AE's sUAS operations will not exceed the reported absolute altitude of 400 feet or 50 feet 

above and 50 feet laterally from the highest point of the target structure. 

4. All AE's sUAS PIC's will operate with visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times where the VLOS 

will be human unaided vision by any devise other than corrective lenses as specified on the 

PIC's FAA-issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver's license. 

5. Operations- AE's use of Visual Observers (VO) 

• All AE sUAS operations not employing geo-fencing technology. 

• All AE operations operating more than 50 feet laterally of a target structure andfor 

over 100 feet AGL. 

• All AE operations where individuals not associated with the operation are within 

visual line of sight (VLOS) of the operation. 

6. Visual Observer requirements 

• All AE sUAS devices will be operated within VLOS of the PIC and VO at all times. 

i. The VO will be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the 

PIC always maintains VLOS capability. 

ii. The VO and PIC will be able to communicate verbally at all times. 

iii. The PIC will be designated before the flight. The PIC will ensure 

that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO. 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

iv. The VO shall be a AMA member in good standing and abide by the 

AMA Code of Ethics 

7. The PIC will have all available information available required ensuring successful flight. This 

information will be accessible during sUAS operations. 

• All available information will include the following: 

i. All documents needed to operate the sUAS and conduct its operations in 

accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in the exemption, if 

granted. 

ii. The PIC/VO team will follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents and will provide them to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request. 

8. AE will be responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition 

for safe operation. 

9. Prior to each flight, AE's PIC will conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a 

condition for safe flight. 

10. AE will follow the UAS manufacturer's maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and 

life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components and will comply with all 

manufacturer safety bulletins. 

11. All AE PIC's will hold a Private Pilot certificate with Instrument Flight endorsement issued 

under 14 CFR Part 61. 

• All AE PIC's will also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate. 

• All AE PIC's shall be an AMA member in good standing and abide by the AMA Code of 

Ethics 

12. AE will 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 including evasive and 

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles 

and structures. 

• AE will only utilize a PIC who has completed OEM training and has minimum 

documented flight experience prior to any exempted commercial operation 

contemplated and requested in this application as follows: 

i. 25 hours total time in sUAS devices 

ii. 10 hours on each sUAS device category 

a. Fixed wing 

b. Vertical takeoff 

m. 5 Hours on each sUAS model AE operates or intends to operate> 

• PIC qualification flight hours and currency will be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). 

13. AE sUAS operations will not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All AE 

operations will be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). 

14. AE sUAS will not operate at or above 400 feet above the ground (AGL) or within 5 nautical 

miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Directory (AFD) or for airports not published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement 

with that airport's management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to AE. 

• AE hereby additionally requests to operate below an altitude of 200 feet AGL providing 

AE has gained prior written approval from the air traffic authority responsible for the 

restricted airspace. 

15. AE will not operate its sUAS 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. 

16. All AE's sUAS are equipped with a Lost Signal Return to Base fail safe system so if the device 

loses communications or loses its GPS signal it is reprogramed to return to a pre-determined 

launch location that is free and clear of hazards and people. 

17. In the event ofunpredicted obstacles or emergency AE's PIC will immediately abort the flight. 

18. AE's PIC will not begin a flight unless there is enough available power for AE's sUAS to conduct 

the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes taking into 

consideration the local weather conditions. 

19. AE anticipates and agrees in advance to identify all of its sUAS 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 will be as large as practicable. 

20. All documents used by AE will ensure the safe operation and flight of the sUAS and any 

documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 and will be available to the AE PIC at 

the Ground Control Station of the sUAS any time the aircraft is operating. All documents are 

available upon request. 

21. AE's sUAS will remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all 

times. 

22. AE's UAS will not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle. 

23. All AE Flight operations will be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, 

vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: 

• Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA andjor debris in the event of an accident. 

• The owner j controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission to 

AE for operating closer to those objects and the AE PIC will make a safety assessment 

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

an undue hazard. 

24. All AE sUAS operations will be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner j controller or authorized representative. Permission 

from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight 

to be conducted. 

25. In the event of any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or 

vertical boundaries of the operational area AE will report to the FAA's UAS Integration Office 

(AFS-80) within 24 hours of such an event. Accidents will be reported to the National 

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 

26. When AE operations are for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming 

and production AE will observe and abide by all procedures as is contained in a motion picture 

and television operations manual (MPTOM). (Copy attached hereto for reference) 

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Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

27. For any AE operations outside ofthe "blanket" COA as described on the www.FAA.gov website, 

regarding UAS operations under 200 feet, AE will, at least 3 days before the scheduled aerial 

filming, submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) 

with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. 

• The plan of activities will include the following: 

i. Dates and times for all scheduled flights 

ii. Name and phone number of AE's PIC and VO for the scheduled 

sUAS aerial filming 

iii. Name and phone number of the PIC and VO responsible for the onscene operation of AE's sUAS 

iv. Make, model, and serial or N-Number of the sUAS AE intends on 

using 

v. Name and certificate number ofUAS PICs 

vi. A copy of written permission from property owners and/ or local 

officials to conduct the filming production event counter signed by 

the principal and owner of AE. 

vii. 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. 

28. For flight operations closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting will be 

conducted in accordance with and as specified in AE's MPTOM. 

F. Additional information and AE's view 

Aerial Enterprises would ask that the Administrator consider all previously awarded exemptions as 

supporting arguments to this exemption request. 

Aerial Enterprises and all of its employees would like to thank you for your consideration as we 

anxiously await a positive outcome to this request. 

Should the Administrator require any additional information or clarification please do not hesitate to 

contact me directly. 

Respectfully, 

73 Coquina Ridge Way 

Ormond Beach, FL 32174 

Tel +1-386-576-7404 

Paul.woessner2@gmail.com 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

Appendix A 

Motion Picture 

and 

Television Flight 

Operation 

Manual 

Version 1.0 1 of18 
Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Table of Contents 

1. Introduction 

A Purpose 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

c. Persons Authorized 

D. Area of Operations 

E. Plan of Activities 

F. Permission to Operate 

G. Security 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 

I. Certification/ Airworthiness 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 

K. Communications 

L. Accident Notification 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 

N. Aerobatic Competency 

0. Aerobatic Competency 

2. Company Organization 

A. Chief Pilot 

B. Pilot in Command 

Appendix A 

1 List of Approved Pilots 

2 List of Approved Aircraft 

3 Permission Acquisition Form (sample) 

4 Revision Letter (sample) 

Appendix B 

1 Form 7711-2 (certification of waiver) 

Version 1.0 2 of18 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Revision Control Page 

Revision# Date Initials 

Version 1.0 4-28-2015 PW 

Version 1.0 3 of18 
Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Version 1.0 4 of18 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

1. Introduction 

A. Purpose 

This manual has been developed by "Aerial Enterprises, Inc.", hereafter referred to as 

"AE", in conjunction with an application for a Certificate of Waiver of Authorization of 

the provisions ofF AR 91.119 (b) and (c) for the purposes of filming. AE pilots and 

other company personnel when applicable will comply with the policies, procedures 

and conditions of this manual, whenever motion picture or television flight 

operations are performed that require a Waiver of Authorization as mentioned 

above. 

B. Pilot/Operator Organization 

Paul Woessner- Pres. 

Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way 

Ormond Beach, FL 3217 4 

Paul Woessner - Chief Pilot (386) 57 6-7 404 cell 

C. Persons Authorized 

FAR 91.119 (c) is waived only with respect to those persons, vehicles and structures 

directly involved in the performance of the actual filming. The certificate holder shall 

ensure that no persons are allowed within 500 feet of the area except those 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production. This provision 

may be reduced to no less than 200 feet if an equivalent level of safety can be 

achieved and the Administrator has approved it. For example, an equivalent level of 

safety may be determined by an ASI's evaluation of the filming production area to 

note terrain features, obstructions, buildings, etc. Such barriers may protect 

nonparticipating persons (observers, the public, news media, etc.) from debris in the 

event of an accident. 

D. Area of Operations 

AE's approved area of operations will be the continental United States, excluding 

Alaska and Hawaii 

Version 1.0 5 of18 
Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

E. Plan of Activities 

At least three (3) days prior to any scheduled filming, AE will submit a written plan of 

activities to the local FSDO having jurisdiction over that area. The plan of activities 

should include the following: 

(1) Dates and times for all flights. 

(2) Name and phone number of person responsible for the filming production 

event. 

(3) Name and phone number of person responsible for aircraft. 

(4) Make, model, and serial or N-number of aircraft to be used and type of 

airworthiness certificate, including category. 

(5) Name and certificate number of pilots involved in the filming production 

event, including any notation of external load endorsements or aerobatic 

competency, if required. 

(6) A statement that the waiver holder 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 from the waiver holder. 

(7) Signature of waiver holder or representative. 

(8) 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 

minimum altitudes essential to accomplish the operations. 

The three (3) day notification may be waived, however, the operator should contact 

the FSDO as soon as possible with this request and be prepared to explain in detail why 

the three (3) day notification is not practical. 

F. Permission to Operate 

Before any flight operations is conducted at less than 500 feet under the provisions 

of the certificate of waiver and this manual, the operator will obtain permission to 

conduct these operations from property owners and local officials as necessary or 

appropriate. Persons from whom permission may be required are listed be 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

(1) Property owners 

(2) Law enforcement officials 

(3) Fire department officials 

(4) Local, State and Federal government 

(5) Air traffic control 

The AE personnel obtaining such permission will do so in writing whenever 

practical, however, verbal permission is acceptable otherwise. A standard 

permission form is provided in Appendix A and may be used when obtaining written 

permission. AE personnel will assure a sufficient number of those forms are 

available at the job site. Written permission forms will be maintained at the job site 

until flight operations are completed, and then turned into the chief pilot to be kept 

on file for a minimum of six (6) months. These forms will be made available for 

inspection by the FAA or other official personnel upon request. 

G. Security 

Prior to any flight operation the operator will coordinate with appropriate 

production personnel to devise a plan of securing the area(s) of operation from all 

unauthorized persons and vehicles. Provisions will be made to immediately 

discontinue operations should the area(s) become unsecured or for any other reason 

in the interest of safety. 

H. Briefing of Pilot/Production Personnel 

Prior to the start of any operation under the provisions of this manual, the pilot in 

command will conduct a briefing of all procedures to participating personnel of the 

risks involved, emergency procedures, and safeguards to be followed during the 

filming production event. Personnel will also be briefed on additional provisions that 

may be issued by the FSDO that has geographic responsibility for the operational 

area, including the location of boundaries or time limits. 

The briefing shall cover: 

• Authorization for motion picture and television certificate of waiver and the 

attached special provisions 

• Operations manual 

• Plan of activities 

• Aircraft parking and starting 

• Taxi procedures 

• Radio Communications 

• Takeoff procedure 

Version 1.0 7 of18 
Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

• Aviation activities to be conducted during the filming production event 

• Approach and landing procedures 

• Recall procedures 

• Emergency procedures 

• Risks to participating personnel 

• How to control nonparticipating persons 

• 

I. Certification/ Airworthiness 

All AE sUAS aircraft used in operations requiring a waiver of FAR 91.119 (b) and (c) 

for the purpose of filming will be properly registered with the FAA and maintained 

in accordance with the sUAS manufactures recommendations and procedures. The 

aircraft will be 100hrjannual inspection program. Other required tests and 

inspections will be performed as per Part 91 when necessary. Each sUAS aircraft will 

have a flight log containing upcoming scheduled maintenance and inspections and 

the dates or times they must be performed. A section for discrepancies is also found 

in the flight log. The pilot in command will assure the aircraft to be flown is in 

airworthy condition and all required inspections and maintenance has been 

completed before each flight. 

J. Pilot Personnel/Minimum Requirements 

The pilot/operator shall establish and specify the minimum pilot requirements. 

Minimum requirements shall meet or exceed the following for sUAS operations: 

Version 1.0 

(1) A current U.S. Private pilot certificate with an Instrument endorsement 

(2) A minimum of 25 hours in the category and class of sUAS to be used. 

(3) A minimum of 5 hours in the make and model for the sUAS aircraft to be 

used under the waiver. 

( 4) In the event that the 1,500-foot minimum standard contained in the 14 CFR 

91.303(e) is to be waived, the pilot performing sUAS maneuvers must hold 

and or be listed on list of approved pilots of a Section 333 Waiver to 

perform the operations. 

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Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

(5) In the event the operation to be conducted contains elements of an externalload operation, whether fixed or rotary wing operations, pilots used in the 

sUAS operation shall be qualified. This qualification may be obtained 

through a knowledge test (which may be oral andjwritten) andjor skill. The 

inspector or another company pilot approved by the geographically 

responsible FSDO who is qualified to operate sUAS and carry loads 

externally will give the test( s) which are similar to part 13 3 requirements 

and cover the following subjects: 

(a) Steps to be taken before starting operations, including a survey of the 

Flight area. 

(b) Proper method of loading, rigging, or attaching the external load. 

(c) Aircraft performance capabilities under motion picture operating 

procedures and the aircraft flight manual. 

(d) Proper instructions for flight and ground crew personnel. 

(e) sUAS Aircraft flight manual, pilot operations handbook, or a 

rotorcraft-load combination flight manual and limitations, if 

appropriate. 

K. Communications 

Prior to the start of any operation covered by this manual, the pilot in command will 

formulate a plan to provide communications capability to all participants during the 

actual operation and filming. Oral, visual or radio communications may be used as 

long as it is effective and is capable of keeping the participants continuously 

appraised of the current status of the operation. 

L. Accident Notification 

Should an accident or incident requiring notification ofthe NTSB occur, the 

notification requirements of FAR Part 830 would comply. 

M. Recall/Stop Procedures 

Radio communication, oral, visual or a combination will be utilized to keep the 

participants continuously apprised of the current status of operation. 

Version 1.0 9 of18 
Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

N. Special Provisions 

The controls, procedures, and conditions set forth in the AE motion picture and 

television operations manual is the primary assurance that persons on the surface 

will not be jeopardized. 

The sUAS aircraft and pilots used under this authorization andjor waiver will only 

be those specified in the AE motion picture and television operations manual 

("Appendix A" page 11) or associated plan of activities. Each pilot's name and 

certificate number shall appear on each daily plan of activity. All civil aircraft and 

pilot(s) participating in the activity shall be available for FAA inspection before the 

scheduled event. 

Each pilot-in-command conducting operations authorized under this certificate 

understands the conditions of issuance, and that it constitutes a waiver ofF AR 

91.119 (b) and (c). (see attached document under "Appendix B" page 15) 

sUAS rotorcraft takeoff and landing areas will be protected in a manner that will 

prevent unauthorized persons from entering the takeoff and landing area. 

AE will ensure that the participating persons involved in the operations are 

thoroughly briefed on special procedures, communication, emergency procedures, 

and on the provisions of the authorization and/ or waiver before beginning the 

activities. No person may participate in any event unless that person has received a 

briefing on the provisions of the waiver. 

2. Company Organization 

A. ChiefPilot 

Version 1.0 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Final word in the formulation of policy and procedures concerning this 

manual. 

• Act as liaison between AE and the FAA on matter concerning this manual. 

• Assure that each approved pilot is issued a copy of this manual and obtain a 

signed statement from each that they have read and understand its contents. 

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Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 I Tel (386)-576-7404 

• Maintain a current copy of this manual at the main base of operations for AE. 

• Responsible for assuring that all revisions to this manual are distributed and 

processed properly. 

• Must approve or disapprove each proposed job or operation performed by AE 

under the provisions of this manual. 

• Assume the responsibilities of pilot in command when acting as such. 

• The chief pilot may delegate functions to other personnel but retains 

responsibility. 

B. Pilot in Command 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assure that sUAS aircraft to be flown is in airworthy condition and all inspections 

and required maintenance have been performed as per appropriate FAR's and 

OEM's recommended maintenance procedures. 

• Acquire permission from the chief pilot before any operation under the 

provisions of this manual. 

• Be very knowledgeable of the contents of this manual and abide by the 

procedures, policies and conditions contained herein. 

• Coordinate with movie and television personnel to formulate plans, routes, 

locations, etc. with safety of all persons involved in the primary concern. 

• Maintain their copy of this manual in current condition and have it on site at any 

job or operation requiring the waiver. 

• The pilot in command may delegate functions to other personnel, but retains 

responsibility. 
Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Appendix A .1 

List of Approved Pilots and Visual Observers 

Chief Pilot 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Certified Insurance Adjuster 

Pilots 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Certified Insurance Adjuster 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Certified Insurance Adjuster 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Paul Woessner 

331466792 

Commercial L TA, PPL SEL 

Second 06-2011 

(386) 576-7404 

FL, LA W198837 

Joseph Hartmann 

155641755 

CPL ME IR 

Second 06-2010 

(651) 236-0405 

FL W201954 

Steve Kulinski 

CPL ME IR, CFI 

Second 06-2010 

(719) 337-3907 

co 

Sean Woessner 

3695097 

PPLIR 

Second 06-2012 

(386)-295-8682 

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Aerial Enterprises} Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel (386)-576-7404 

Pilots ( cont' d) 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Visual Observer 

Name 

Certificate Number 

Grade 

Medical Class/Date 

Contact Number 

Josh Hartmann 

3685751 

PPL IR 

Second 06-2012 

(651) 331-6787 

Nicholas Schultz 

3159953 

AGI 

N/A 

(651) 331-6787 
Appendix A .2 

List of Approved Aircraft 

Make and Model Registration Number 

1. Spreading Wings 1000+ TBD 

2. Iris+ TBD 

3. 

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Appendix A .3 

Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

Permission Acquisition Form 

In signing this form, I am giving the pilots of Aerial Enterprises, Inc. Permission to operate 

their sUAS aircraft at less than 500 feet from property, or in some jurisdiction in which I am 

responsible for or affiliated with, for the purpose of film or television production. 

Name: 

Title: 

Basis of Authority to Grant Permission: Location: 

Date of Operation: 

Signature -----------------------------------------------------

Date 

AE Representative Receiving Permission 
Appendix A .4 

Revision Letter 

Rev# Section Page Action Remarks Initials 

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Appendix A .4 

R IZJIZJRemove and Replace D IZJIZJDelete and Destroy N IZJIZJinsert New Page 

Manual Serial# _________ _ Issued To --------------

Revised By-----------------

Date 

This form must be returned to the Chief Pilot no later than _________ _ 
Aerial Enterprises, Inc. 

73 Coquina Ridge Way, Ormond Beach, Florida 321741 Tel 

Appendix B .1 

(see attached form 7711-2) 

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Meet IRIS+. 

Thank you for purchasing IRIS•. 

IRIS is a personal aerial imaging platform powered by open-source 

hardware, software, and firmware. Please read this manual carefully 

before your first flight and pay close attention to safety information. 

Happy flying! 

Important note: When using a GoPro with IRIS, always 

ensure that the WiFi on the GoPro is turned OFF. 

01 
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Parts 

Controller 

your direct link to IRIS 

Ground station radio 

with USB and Android adapters 

Battery kit 

battery, guard bag, and charger 

with international travel adapters 

Propellers and tool kit 

four propellers with propeller tool and 

small, medium, and large hex keys 

(1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) lith rll 

Tall legs 

Switch to tall legs to use IRIS with the Tarot 

Gimbal or for extra clearance on landing. 

r 

Use the small (1.5 mm) hex 

key to loosen the set screw 

in the bottom of the leg. 

Slide out the leg to remove it, and replace with the tall leg. 

Tighten the set screw until it sits flush with the surface. 

Do not tighten the screw beyond this point. 

03 
Charging the Battery 

IRIS is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Store 

the battery at half charge then charge fully before flying. Batteries must 

ship at half charge, so please charge before your first flight. Each full 

battery provides up to 22 minutes of flight time without a gimbal and 

up to 16 minutes when using a Tarot Gimbal.* 

1 Connect charger to the 

power adapter cable and 

a wall outlet. 

-·-·-

2 

04 

Set the charger to 

LiPo and 3A. 

35 

Connect the red cable to the 

+ port and the black cable 

to the - port 

0 

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LiPo 3A 

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4 Secure battery inside the guard bag while charging. Charge until the status 

indicator displays green. 

: . . 1\ Batte:ry Safety 

• Charging • Complete 

Protectthe bat;tery fmm extreme heat, extreme cold, pu nctu ring, 

an~fla[Tlm.?J'lle ~~;taces. Always transport, charge, and store 

th@ batte'fy:Jnt.h~:g)Ja rd bag. 

Charge the battery using a designated LiPo balance charger only. 

Always .monitorthe batte~y while charging. 

Flyingwith a low i:>attery is 9 safety risk and can render the battery 

unusable:. Always discontinue use when you receive a low battery 

notification; and always fly with a fully charged battery. 

Inspect the battery for damage before takeoff and after landing. 

If you observe any swelling of the package or the battery ceases 

to fLJnction, locate your local. battery recycling center to dispose 

of the battery. In the US and Canada, visit call2recycle.org to find 

a loc.ation.Donot dispose of the battery in the ~ra5h. 

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, 

temperature, humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. See the Flight 

Checklist for instructions on managing battery levels during flight. 

05 
Attaching Propellers 

IRIS uses four propellers: two with black nuts and two with silver nuts. 

Attach the propellers with black nuts to the motors with black tops and 

the propellers with silver nuts to the motors with silver tops. 

Each propeller has locking and unlocking direction symbols. To attach, 

spin the propeller in the direction of the locking symbol. The propellers will 

automatically tighten onto the motors when you arm IRIS before takeoff. 

06 

For propellers with black nuts: For propellers with silver nuts: 

...-......... -

(! ~ Spin clockwise to attach. Q' Spin counterclockwise 

• J to attach. 

f.l__, ~ Spin counterclockwise 

• to remove. 

(! ...{:\ Spin clockwise to 

• remove. 

To remove, hold the motor in place with 

the propeller tool, and spin the propeller 

in the direction of the unlocking symbol. 

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A safety 

IRIS has.powerful motors and high-speed propellers. Never place your hands 

near p,ropellers while IRIS is armed or the safety button displays solid red . 

.Always press. the safety button until it displays blinking red before handling. :: '~ '', ' ' ' ' 

Always fly .in an open area away from people and buildings; do not attempt to 

fly ind0.or~.or in ,;confined space. Do not fly over people, near airports, or in any 

situation that co.uld pose a hazard to those around you. Always fly within your 

line of sight and in compliance with local regulations. IRIS will not avoid 

obstacles on its own. As the operator, it is your job to recognize and avoid 

obstructions while flying. Always follow the preflight and postflight steps in the 

order described in this manual, and remain attentive at all times while flying. 

Environmental factors, such as wind and GPS irregularities, can cause instability 

in flighfiRIS will attempt to compensate for these factors by triggering a failsafe 

if it detects an unsafe flying condition due to loss ofcontroller signal, loss of GPS 

signal, or low battery (see below for details). To avoid potential hazards due to 

envimnmental factors, identify the boundaries of yourflying area befo.re takeoff,. 

B:n'dfr'ec;over IRISmanuallyby switching into standard (STD) if it moves outside 

your designated flying area. If you observe any inconsistent behavior, land, and 

eonsultthe troubleshooting guide at 3DR.com/iris/inf6. 

Fail safes 

Loss ofRC signal 0 000 

Always. use the contmller as a primary or backup control system when flyiAg. 

~Asu.re thatthe coAtroller is tumed OA any time IRIS is powered. If co A tact with 

the c.;oritrolleris lost duriAg. flight, I.RIS willlaAd a Ad display a blinking yellow LED. 

If lR+S is more than 2 meters (6.5 feet) from the launch point, it will retum to 

launch (RTL) before landing: (See page 13 for more information about RTL.) 

Loss c)f (iPS signal eoe~ IRIS.req.uires aA active GPS.sigAal before takeoff. If IRIS loses GPS signal in flight, 

it will trigger a GPS failsafe; iAdicated by a bliAkiAg blue a Ad yellow LED with a 

high-high-high-low toAe, a Ad automatically switch to manual control (staAdard 

c altitude hold mode). Alwi;iys be prepared to regal A maAual coAtrol of IRIS at 

a fly ~ime while flyiAgaAd choose a A UAobstructed flyiAg area to improve GPS 

sigAal streAgth. WheA flying a missioA, we recommeAded chaAging the GPS 

failsafe behavior to .laAd. (Visit 3DR.com/iris/iAfo for more iAformatioA about 

cbAfiguring the GPS failsafe.) 

Low battery 000~ WheA the. battery reaches 25% of its remaiAiAg charge, IRIS willlaAd a Ad display 

a blinkiAgyellow LED with a quick repeatiAg toAe. If IRIS reaches the low battery 

limit duriAg a mission, it will retum to the lauAch poi At before laAdiAg. 

07 
Learn to Fly 

Maneuver IRIS in flight using 

the controller sticks. 

Throttle 

Move the left stick up and down to control altitude. 

To take off and to 

gain altitude, raise the 

throttle stick slightly 

above center position. 

Set the throttle stick 

to center to maintain 

the current altitude. 

Lower the throttle 

stick below center 

to decrease altitude. 

Set the throttle stick 

fully down to land 

once IRIS is a few 

inches above the 

ground. 

08 

left stick 

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Yaw 

Move the left stick horizontally to rotate IRIS and change orientation. 

For a slow rotation, move the stick slightly away from the center 

in either direction. Moving the stick farther from the center creates 

a faster rotation. 

Move the stick to 

the left to rotate 

counterclockwise. 

Move the stick 

to the right to 

rotate clockwise. 

Release the stick to 

stop rotating and 

maintain the current 

orientation. 

left stick 

09 
Pitch and Roll 

The right stick allows you to control IRIS' position in the air. Move the right 

stick to tell IRIS to move in that direction: forward (toward the blue arms), 

back (toward the black arms), left (toward the left arms), or right (towards 

the right arms). How far you move the stick from the center before releasing 

it tells IRIS how fast to move. 

stick forward to { , Movetheright Ou 

fly forward. 

stick 

Movetheright back to fly 0 

backward. 

stick 

Movetheright left to fly 0 

left. 

Move the right 

stick right to fly 

right. 

10 

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Flight Modes mode switch 

IRIS includes three flight modes: manual flight 

(STD-altitude hold), hover mode (LTR-Ioiter), and 

mission flight (AUTO). Use the switch on the 

right side of the controller to select a flight mode. 

Standard (altitude hold mode) 

STD 

fly manually 

Start your flight in standard to select altitude hold 

mode, and fly IRIS manually using the controller. 

Loiter mode 

LTR 

hover 

Select loiter to set IRIS to hover in place automatically. Use the 

controller to adjust IRIS' position then release the sticks to hold 

that position. Loiter is a great way for beginners to learn how to fly! 

If you're new to flying, start your first flight in loiter instead of standard. 

A , Ta~vo~s,pdd~!'l ~h<1n~s in, alfityde, set the throttle stick 

.. cto->iehter position before switching modes, including in the 

event of a GPS .failsafe. . . 

Advanced Operator Note: If you choose to modify the flight mode configuration to 

include Stabilize mode, please fly only with the provided set of tall legs. Flying in Stabilize 

with short legs can cause vibrations that may interfere with autopilot calculations and 

produce unexpected behavior. 

11 
12 

Auto mode 

AUTO 

fly a mission 

Select auto mode to fly an autonomous mission. IRIS will 

automatically fly the series of waypoints saved to the autopilot. 

See pages 19 and 20 for instructions on planning and flying missions. 

Do not<tctivate auto mode unless you have saved a 

missi6~ to IRIS using a ground station application. 

Gimbal control 

TilT 

tilt the camera up and down 

Connect a Tarot Gimbal (sold separately), and use the TILT knob to 

control the angle of the camera in flight. Visit 3DR.com/iris/info 

for instructions. 

Land 

CH7 

land at the current position 

Set the CH 7 switch to ON to end your flight and land IRIS at its 

current position. Once you activate land, set the throttle stick fully 

down, and IRIS will automatically disarm after landing. IRIS will not 

disarm automatically unless the throttle stick is set fully down. 

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the 

right stick on the controller to adjust IRIS' position. 

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Return to Launch (RTL) 

land at the launch point 

Set the RTL switch to ON to end your flight and return 

IRIS to the launch point automatically. Ensure that the 

RTL switch is set to OFF before takeoff. 

1 15 meters 2 hover 5 seconds 

fi ., " .............................................................. ~ fi ., " 

When commanded to RTL, IRIS will: 

1 Achieve minimum altitude of 15m (50ft) 

or maintain current altitude if above 15m. 

2 Move to launch point and loiter for 5 seconds. 

3 Land at launch point. 

3 

Reposition during landing: During landing, use the (' 

right stick on the controller to adjust IRIS' position. \..J 

RTL returns IRIS tothe location where IRIS was armed. 

A:lw<~ys arm IRIS in a safe, unobstructed launch point 

Geofence 

launch point 

A safety fence restricts IRIS to within 300 meters (980 feet) of the 

launch point and under 100 meters (320 feet) in altitude. If IRIS reaches 

the edge of the geofence, it will initiate an automatic return to launch. 

1'· 

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300m 

~--------------~ 

l i. launch point 

In th~event of a GPS failsafe, the horizontal geofence will be disabled. 

If IRIS oreaches the vertical geofence during a GP$ failsafe,it will land at 

its currentposition. 

13 
First Flight 

Select an open area for flying, away from people and buildings, and 

remember to bring the Flight Checklist and a fully charged battery. 

Determine the boundaries of your flying area before takeoff, and select 

a level, unobstructed space as a launch point. Follow these preflight 

and postflight steps in the order shown here and on the Flight Checklist 

every time you fly. 

Preflight 

l Check 

IRIS. 

2 Poweron 

controller. 

14 

Point the controller antenna up 

and the IRIS antenna down for 

the strongest signal. 

Set the mode switch to standard CSTD). 

If you're new to flying, try starting your first 

flight in loiter (LTR) instead of standard. 

Ensure that the RTL switch 

is set to OFF. 

A Ensure that the controfler is always turned on while 

IRIS is powered. If IRIS loses communication with 

the controller in flight, IRIS will initiate an automatic 

return to launch. 

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Press and hold the DN button on the controller to 

view flight data from IRIS. See the Flight Checklist 

for more information about controller flight data. 

3 Connect battery. 

A 

Press the sides 

of the battery 

compartment 

together and 

rotate the door 

down. 

Wait 10 seconds before 

closing the battery door or 

moving IRIS at all while the 

internal sensors calibrate 

and the status LED shows 

blue and red. 

If you see a flashing yellow status 

LED, it's likely that the sensors 

did not calibrate correctly during 

startup. Re-connect the battery and 

make sure to keep IRIS absolutely 

still and level during the blue-andred status LED indicator. 

Insert battery, and 

attach the yellow 

connectors. 

To close, squeeze the 

door, and rotate up 

until it clicks into place, 

ensuring that the battery 

cables do not interfere 

with the LED cables. 

Place IRIS at the launch 

point with the black 

arms facing towards you 

and the blue arms facing 

away from you. 

Connect the radio to your ground station, and select Connect. 

A ground station (recommended) lets you view live data in 

flight and unlock IRIS' advanced autonomous features. 

To download a ground station app for you laptop or 

Android device, visit 3DR.com/iris/info. 

15 
4 Press safety 

button . 

•••• Press the safety button 

until it is solid red. 

IRIS is now live. 

Stand back! 

Do not handi~IRISwhilethe 

safety butt01'1 fs ~{}lief re1.ahd 

IRIS is live. AlwaysW~sst;he 

button until it displays bl1n~ing 

red before approaching · 

the propellers. A 

• 0 e 0 Motors inactive, safe to handle • • • • Motors active, deactivate before 

handling 

5 CheckLED. 

Check the LED to view the status of IRIS. Wait 

to proceed until you see the blinking green light 

indicating that IRIS has acquired GPS lock. 

•• •• Initializing, hold IRIS still, please wait GPS lock requires a cle<t[ vjew of the 

sk}t. IRIS may take a f~ rqinutes to 

'acquire GPS lock d~ending ?A your 

flying·!ocation. Always fly in an open 

area to knprove GPS signal strength, 

o•o• Acquiring GPS, please wait 

o•o• Autopilot ready, GPS locked 

Pre-arm safety check failure. Connect 

to a ground station and see the troubleshooting guide at 3DR.com/iris/info. 

and revieVV, the GPS fails<!fe · A 

information on page 7. . 

6 Arm motors. 

®0 

16 

To activate the motors, 

hold the left stick down-right 

until the motors spin. 

Now you're ready for takeoff! 

IRIS will spin its propellers 

when armed. Ensure that the 

launch point isdear of_ 

obstructions before :arming. 

Always disarm fhernotors ·' 

before approaching f~(S; A 

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Flight 

Take off and gain altitude by 

raising the left stick slightly 

above center. 

Set the left stick to 

center to maintain 

the current altitude. €)0 

Rotate counterclockwise and 

clockwise by 

moving the left 

stick left and right. 

Fly forward, backward, left, or right 

by moving the right stick in the 

direction you want to fly. 

Release the right 

stick to level IRIS. 

Set the left stick fully 

down to land once IRIS 

is a few inches above 

the ground. 

Lower the left 

stick below center 

to descend. 

IRIS is a powerful and agile 

flier: Move the stiCks in small 

incremimts until yiiu feel 

comfortable with how IRIS 

responds to controls: 

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17 
Postflight 

l Disarm 

motors. 

®0 

3 Disconnect 

battery. 

18 

2 Press safety 

button. 

After landing, hold eQ •o Press the safety 

button until it 

displays blinking 

red to make IRIS 

safe to handle. 

the left stick downleft until the motors 

stop spinning. 

4 Poweroff 

controller. 

Your first flight is now complete' 

Follow the steps shown here and 

on the Flight Checklist every time 

you fly. 

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Planning Missions 

To plan a mission, download a ground station application from 

3DR.com/iris/info, and install onto your laptop or Android device. 

e DroidPianner 2 for Android 

II Mission Planner for Windows 

• APM Planner for OS X 

1 Power IRIS, connect the radio to your laptop 

or Android device, and select Connect. 

"fJ1:6rirfi~hh~ IJr~e end ~fthe .. ... Anaroidadapterto your device 

· · · and the black end to the radio. 

.Select Connect. 

2 Configure waypoints. 

··:~;~;~~f~!ft~~::~cush tool i]nd a raw a path for IRIS 

to follow. 

• ~~--·~ ~ ~ 

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~ •; w:l}~ 

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3 Save the mission to IRIS. 

•. ~i!~~;~~g~~~~n:r~:~~n select Send Mission. 

Send Mission 

R Conne~t the ~$ICact~pter to the 

g radio and your laptop. Select 

AUTO, 57600, and Connect. 

II Select Flight and click to 

add waypoints. Select the green 

arrows at the bottom of the 

screen to configure altitude and 

change waypoint types. 

• 

II Select Write WPs. 

When flying missions, we recommend changing the GPS 

failsafe behavior to set IRIS to land in the event of a loss of 

GPS signal. For instructions, visit 3DR.com/iris/info. 

19 
Flying Missions 

l Perform a pre-mission 

test flight. 

Fly a brief test flight to verify 

that all controls (throttle, yaw, 

roll, and pitch) are responding 

normally. 

2 ArmiRIS 

in standard. 

When you're ready 

to start the mission, 

arm IRIS in standard 

(STD). 

3 Switchto 

AUTO. 

4 

20 

If you planned a takeoff waypoint into 

your mission, switch to AUTO on the 

ground, and raise the throttle to initiate 

the mission. If you did not add a takeoff 

waypoint, switch to AUTO mode after 

takeoff to initiate the mission in flight. 

Fbr au:to-'l~k~~ff, raise throttle to 

start mission. 

To recall IRIS during a mission, 

use the controller to switch 

'J'o avoil'l s~lf~~¢nM~es in attitude Vlflle~·.s~<Jhipg 

to standard (STD) and land 

manually. Or switch to RTL, 

and automatically return to 

the launch point. 

fi-om ~(jto1astan~t:cr-estm, 

etiSIJ{fithaf\he.l~-sJ:iokls .. 

set t-6 the:(:enter p@sltl<m. 

Switch to standard 

before disarming. 

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When the mission is complete and IRIS has landed, 

use the controller to switch to standard (STD) then 

disarm and proceed with the postflight steps. 

If you added an automatic landing waypoint to your 

mission, IRIS will disarm automatically after landing. 

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Specifications 

Autopilot: 

Firmware: 

GPS: 

Telemetry radio: 

Motors: 

Frame type: 

Pix hawk v2A5 

ArduCopter 3,2 

3DR uBiox GPS with Compass (LEA-6H module, 5Hz update) 

3DR Radio Telemetry v2 (915 mHz or 433 mHz) 

950 kV 

v 

Propellers: 9,5 x 45 T-Motor multi rotor self-tightening counterclockwise (2) 

9,5 x 45 T-Motor multi rotor self-tightening clockwise (2) 

Battery: 

Low battery voltage: 

Maximum voltage: 

Battery cell limit: 

Battery weight: 

3S 5,1 Ah 8C lithium polymer 

m5v 

12,6 v 

3S 

320 g 

IRIS is compatible with 35 lithium polymer batteries only. Using a 45 battery can cause 

permanent damage to the gimbal electronics and will void the warranty. 

Weight with battery: 

Height: 

Motor-to-motor: 

Payload capacity: 

Radio range: 

Flight time: 

1282 g 

100mm 

550mm 

400 g (.8 lbs) 

up to 1 km (.6 miles) 

16-22 minutes* 

*Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, 

humidity, flying style, and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations 

less than 2,000 ft above sea level. 

Resources 

Hardware: 

Firmware: 

Software: 

3DR Store: 

Community: 

Happy flying! 

3DRcom/iris/info 

copter,ardupilot.com 

planner,ardupilot.com and planner2.ardupilot.com 

store.3DR.com 

diydrones,com 

21 
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