June 5, 2015

Exemption No. 11756

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–0958

Mr. John L.Wright

Counsel for C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC

11705 Airport Way, Suite 307

Broomfield, CO 80021

Dear Mr. Wright:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated March 30, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to 

conduct precision aerial surveying and mapping.

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 S800.

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 
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14 CFR part 21 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 collection1. 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, C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC is granted an 

exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 

91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 

91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform 

aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed 

below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC is hereafter referred to as 

the operator.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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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 S800 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 

documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The 
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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 Columbia, 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 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 
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(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.

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

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
THE LAW OFFICE OF JOHN L.WRIGHT, PC

AVIATION – BUSINESS - HEALTH - TAX

JOHN L.WRIGHT, JD, LL.M. l CFI/I, MEI 11705 Airport Way, Suite 307, Broomfield, CO 80021

 jwright@FlyingLegal.com www.FlyingLegal.com p: 303-747-4000 f: 303-747-4001 

March 30, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Petition of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. for Exemption Pursuant to 

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

Dear Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (“FMRA”) 

and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. (“Fenstermaker”) hereby 

applies for an exemption from Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) identified below, to 

allow commercial operations of small, unmanned aerial vehicles by and through small,

unmanned aerial systems (“sUAS”) for Precision Aerial Surveying & Mapping.

This exemption is requested in subject to and in conformance with those operations and 

protocols outlined in this Petition, the enclosed UAS Professionals Flight Operations Manual (“Flight 

Operations Manual”), the sUAS Operator’s Handbook, which includes component parts 

manufacturers’ operations and/or instructions manuals (“Operator’s Handbook”) and any other 

requirements established by the FAA pursuant to the FMRA.

The Flight Operations Manual and Operator’s Handbook both contain confidential, trade secret 

and proprietary information that the Petitioner has not and will not share with others. Petitioner 

submits the Flight Operations Manual and Operator’s Handbook and all information contained therein 

as proprietary and confidential information pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b). The Flight Operations 

Manual and Operator’s Handbook contain operating conditions and procedures that are not available 

to the public and are protected from release under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552 et 

seq.

I. Description of Petitioner

C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a consulting firm that specializes in survey 

and mapping, engineering, environmental services, and advanced technologies.

II. Statutory Authority

This petition for exemption is submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 

333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act. Congress has directed the FAA "to safely accelerate the 

integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system." Pursuant to 

Section 333 of the Reform Act, the FAA Administrator is to consider whether certain 

unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the National Airspace ("NAS") before 
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March 30, 2015

Page 2

completion of the formal UAS rulemaking, based on the following considerations:

• The UAS's size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

• Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

• Operation of the UAS within the visual line of sight of the operator.

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".

Additionally, the FAA Administrator has general authority to grant exemptions from its 

safety regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator decides a requested 

exemption is in the public interest. See 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f) (permitting exemptions from §§ 

44701(a), (b) and §§ 44702 – 44716, et seq.). A party requesting an exemption must explain the 

reasons why the exemption: (1) would benefit the public as a whole, and (2) would not 

adversely affect safety (or how it would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing 

rules). See 14 C.F.R. § 11.81 (petitions for exemption).

III. Qualifications for Approval Under Section 333 of the FMRA

The proposed operations in this petition for exemption qualify for expedited approval 

under Section 333 of the Reform Act. Each of the statutory criteria and other relevant factors 

are satisfied.

The proposed operations would permit the use of small and relatively inexpensive UAS 

under controlled conditions in airspace that is: (1) limited; (2) predetermined; (3) controlled as 

to access; and that (4) provides an increased level of safety beyond that existing when fixed or 

rotor wing aircraft are used to accomplish the same purpose.

Petitioner’s sUAS are rotorcraft, weighing 35 or fewer pounds including payload. They 

operate, under normal conditions, at low speed and have the capability to hover, and move in 

the vertical and horizontal plane. Petitioner’s sUASs will operate in line of sight and will only 

operate within those areas described in the enclosed Flight Operations Manual.

Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted environment within which 

they will operate, this petition exemption falls within the zone of safety i.e., an equivalent level 

of safety, in which Congress desired the FAA to permit commercial UAS operations by 

exemption pending completion of formal rulemaking. Also, due to the size of the sUASs and 

the restricted area in which the sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no 

national security issue.

Considering the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained 

in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended, the equivalent level of safety surrounding the 

proposed operations, and the significant public benefit, the grant of the requested exemptions is 

also in the public interest.

Accordingly, Petitioner respectfully requests the FAA grant the requested 

exemption without delay.
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March 30, 2015

Page 3

IV. Proposed Operations

The enclosed Manuals describe, in detail, the policies and procedures for Petitioner's 

proposed sUAS operations. To assist the FAA in its safety assessment of Petitioner's proposed 

sUAS operations, below is a summary of operational limitations and conditions, which will 

ensure an equivalent or higher level of safety to operations conducted under current regulatory 

guidelines:

1. The sUAS will weigh less than 35 pounds.

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of the Operator.

3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be limited to the 

amount of time the sUAS can be flown and still maintain a reserve battery 

power of no less than 25%.

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground 

level ("AGL").

5. Flights will be operated at a safe lateral distance from, and not directly above, 

any inhabited structures, buildings, vehicles, vessels, or people not associated 

with the operation or who have not signed a waiver in advance of the 

operation.

6. The sUAS Pilot will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot's 

certificate.

7. The sUAS Pilot with Pilot in Command responsibilities for the flight will be 

the designated Operator ("Operator"). 

8. The sUAS will operate only within a confined areas as described in the Flight 

Operations Manual.

9. A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior 

to each day's missions. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be 

performing duties within the boundaries of the safety perimeter be present for 

this briefing.

10. The Operator will have been trained in operations of sUAS generally and 

received up-to-date information on the particular sUAS to be operated as 

required in the Flight Operation Manual. 

11. Written and/or oral permission from the relevant property holders will be 

obtained.

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

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

appropriate governmental agencies.
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March 30, 2015

Page 4

13. If the sUAS loses transmission signal, the sUAS will have the capability to 

return to a pre-determined location and land.

14. Contingency plans will be in place to safely terminate flight if there is a loss 

of transmitter communications or a loss of GPS signal.

15. The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted 

obstacles or emergencies.

V. Regulations From Which Exemption is Requested

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. 

This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined 

under § 40101 of the Act, including sUASs, from its safety regulations and minimum standards 

when the Administrator decides a requested exemption is in the public interest.

Petitioner seeks an exemption from several interrelated provisions of 14 C.F.R. Parts 21, 

45 and 91 for purposes of conducting Precision Aerial Surveying & Mapping using sUASs. 

Listed below are (1) the specific sections of 14 C.F.R. for which exemption is sought, and (2) 

the operating procedures and safeguards that Petitioner has established which will ensure a 

level of safety better than or equal to the rules from which exemption is sought.

A. 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H – Airworthiness Certificates and 14 C.F.R. 

§ 91.203(a)(1)

Petitioner seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, which establishes 

the procedural requirements for the issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by 

14 C.F.R.

§ 91.203(a)(1). Given the size and limited operating area associated with the sUAS 

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 

Reform Act.

The Federal Aviation Act and Section 333 of the Reform Act 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 UAS.

In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the sUAS operated 

without an airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the 

conditions proposed, will be at least as safe as, or safer than, a conventional rotorcraft 

operating with an airworthiness certificate without restrictions and conditions of the 

proposed sUAS operations.

Equivalent Level of Safety

The sUAS to be operated hereunder, DJI Innovations S800 multi-rotor rotorcraft, 

weighs less than 35 pounds with payload, carries neither a pilot nor passenger, carries no 

explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a secured 
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March 30, 2015

Page 5

and sterile area. Unlike other civil aircraft, the proposed operations will be controlled and 

monitored by the Operator pursuant to the Flight Operations Manual’s requirements. 

These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in 

connection with existing inspection operations, provide a greater degree of safety to the 

Petitioner's employees, members of 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 sUAS, due to its size, speed of operation, lack of 

explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external 

load.

B. 14 C.F.R. Part 27 Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft

14 C.F.R. Part 27 sets forth the procedural requirements for airworthiness 

certification of normal category rotorcraft. To the extent the Petitioner's sUAS would 

otherwise require certification under Part 27, Petitioner seeks an exemption from Part 

27's airworthiness standards for the same reasons identified in the exemption request 

from 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

C. 14 CFR § 61.113: Private Pilot Privileges And Limitations

Petitioner seeks an additional exemption from 14 CFR § 61.113, which restricts 

private pilot certificate holders from flying aircraft for compensation or hire, and which 

would also have the effect of requiring a second-class medical certificate. 

Equivalent Level of Safety

In Grant of Exemption No. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (Astraeus), the FAA 

determined that an Operator with a private pilot certificate operating the Astraeus UAS 

would not adversely affect operations in the NAS or present a hazard to persons or 

property on the ground. Additionally, as previously determined by the Secretary of 

Transportation, the requirement to have an airman certificate ameliorates security 

concerns over civil UAS operations conducted in accordance with Section 333. The 

Precision Aerial Surveying & Mapping conducted by Fenstermaker occur in areas where 

access to the public is strictly limited and controlled. Under virtually all circumstances, 

all of the only property or structures are owned and operated by the same entity. As a 

result, the operation has no substantial impact on any third persons not involved in the 

inspection. 

Because Fenstermaker will operate in a sterile area, the sUAS will be flown based 

on visual line-of-sight at altitudes below 500' AGL. Accordingly, Fenstermaker request 

that this exemption be granted.

C. 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a): Aircraft Marking and 

Identification Requirements

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the aircraft marking and identification 

requirements contained in 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a).
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March 30, 2015

Page 6

14 C.F.R. § 91.9(c), Civil Aircraft Flight Manual, Marking and Placard 

requirements, provides that:

No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is 

identified in accordance with Part 45 of this chapter.

Equivalent Level of Safety

The equivalent level of safety for exemptions to the aircraft marking and 

identification requirements of §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a) will be provided by 

having the sUAS marked on its fuselage as required by § 45.29(f).

The FAA has previously issued the following exemptions to the aircraft marking 

requirements of § 45.23(b): Exemption Nos. 10700, 10167 and 10167A.

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

Petitioner seeks an exemption from the flight manual requirements of 14 C.F.R. §

91.9(b)(2), which states:

(b) 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.

Given its physical dimensions, configuration and load capacity, the sUAS has no 

ability to carry such a manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, 

but because there is simply no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft.

Equivalent Level of Safety

The safety related purpose of this manual requirement can be equally satisfied by 

maintaining the sUAS flight manual at the ground control point where the Operator will 

have immediate access to it. Accordingly, Petitioner requests an exemption from 

91.9(b)(2)'s flight manual requirements, on the condition that the sUAS flight manual be 

available at the control point during each operation.

The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 

8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 

10700.

E. 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

Petitioner seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a), which requires that a civil 

aircraft be in airworthy condition to be operated. Inasmuch there will be no airworthiness 

certificate issued for the sUAS, should this exemption be granted, no FAA regulatory 

standard will exist for determining airworthiness.
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March 30, 2015

Page 7

Equivalent Level of Safety

The DJI Innovations S800 has a stellar safety record, demonstrating that the sUAS 

is airworthy. Further, given the size of the sUAS and the requirements contained in the 

Flight Operation Manual for maintenance and pre-flight safety check lists, an equivalent 

level of safety will be provided.

The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 

8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 10167A, 10602, 32827, and 

10700.

F. 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action

Petitioner seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.103, which requires a PIC to 

become familiar with specific information before each flight, including information 

contained in the FAA-approved flight manual on board the aircraft. While the Operator

will be familiar with all information necessary to safely conduct the flight, an exemption 

is requested to the extent that an FAA-approved flight manual is required on board the 

aircraft.

Equivalent Level of Safety

An equivalent level of safety will be provided by following the Operator’s 

Handbook. The Operator will take all required preflight actions - including reviewing 

weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distance, and aircraft 

performance data - before initiation of flight. The Operator’s Handbook will be kept at 

the ground station with the operator at all times.

G. 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a): Flight Instruction

Petitioner seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a), which provides that 

"[n]o 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." sUASs and 

remotely piloted aircraft, by their design, do not have functional dual controls. Instead, 

flight control is accomplished through the use of a box that communicates with the 

aircraft via radio communications.

Equivalent Level of Safety

Given the size and speed of the sUAS, an equivalent level of safe training can still 

be performed without dual controls because no pilot or passengers are aboard the sUAS, 

and all persons will be a safe distance away in the event that the sUAS experiences any 

difficulties during flight instruction.

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. 

Exemptions include: Nos. 5778K and 9862A.
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H. 14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Petitioner requests an exemption from the minimum safe altitude requirements of 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119. Section 91.119 prescribes the minimum safe altitudes under which 

aircraft may not operate, including 500 feet above the surface and away from any person, 

vessel, vehicle, or structure in non-congested areas. See 14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c). Section 

91.119(d) allows for a helicopter to operate at less than those minimum altitudes when it 

can be operated "without hazard to persons or property on the surface," provided that 

"each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically 

prescribed for helicopters by the FAA."

To provide the intended inspections, the sUAS is normally operated below 500 feet 

AGL. Additionally, due the nature of the proposed operations, the sUAS will maintain a 

safe lateral distance from inhabited structures, buildings, vehicles, and vessels, and from 

people not associated with the operation.

Equivalent Level of Safety

Compared to flight operations with rotorcraft weighing far more than the maximum 

35 pounds proposed herein, and given the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated 

with these operations is far less than those that presently exist with conventional aircraft. 

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

UAS, as well as the location where it is operated. As set forth in the Flight Operation 

Manual, the sUAS will be operated in a restricted and sterile area, where buildings and 

people will not be exposed to operations without their pre-obtained consent. Because of 

the advance notice to the property owners and participants, all affected individuals will be 

well aware of the planned flight operations as set forth in the Flight Operation Manual.

Furthermore, by operating at such lower altitudes, the sUAS will not interfere with 

other aircraft that are subject to the minimum safe altitude regulations. Finally, the 

successful safety record of the DJI S800 demonstrates that the sUAS can be safely used 

at these lower altitudes and closer operating environments.

I. 14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

This petition seeks an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.121, which requires a person 

operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude or flight level by reference to an 

altimeter that is set to the elevation of the departure airport or barometric pressure. An 

exemption is required because the sUAS does not have a barometric altimeter, but rather 

a GPS altitude read out.

Equivalent Level of Safety

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by following the procedures set forth 

in the Flight Operation Manual. As prescribed in the Flight Operation Manual, the 

operator will confirm the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator 

before flight. Moreover, the Operator will use the GPS altitude indicator to constantly 

monitor the sUAS's height, thus ensuring operation at safe altitudes.
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J. 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Petitioner requests an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a)'s fuel requirements for 

flight in VFR conditions. Section 91.151 states:

(a) No person may begin 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.

Here, the battery powering the DJI Innovations S800 provides approximately 15 

minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minutes reserve requirement in 14 C.F.R. § 

91.151, sUAS flights could not be conducted. Given the limitations on the sUAS's 

proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined 

area, a safety margin based on a reserve amount of battery life is needed. Petitioner will 

not be conducting any sUAS flights at night.

Equivalent Level of Safety

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the operations will be 

conducted on-site without significant transit time by the sUAS. All flights will be planned 

to be terminated with no less than 25% reserve battery power still available. This 

restriction would be more than adequate to return the sUAS safely to the ground and its 

planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area even in the event of an 

unexpected occurrence. Operation of the sUAS with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel 

does not include the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given 

the size and speed of the small UAS, and the proximity of the flight operation to the 

landing zone. 

This request for exemption falls within the scope of prior exemptions, including 

Exemption Nos. 10673, 2689F, 5745, 10673, and 10808.

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

Registration

Petitioner seeks an exemption from civil aircraft certification and registration 

requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a) and (b). The regulation states 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 
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passengers or crew.

In addition to the fact that Petitioner is seeking an exemption from the 

airworthiness certificate requirements, an exemption to this regulation is necessary 

because: (1) the sUAS's configuration, load capacity and size does not allow it to carry 

certification and registration documents; (2) the sUAS does not have a cabin or cockpit 

entrance at which documents could be displayed; and (3) there are no passengers or crew 

for whom the certificates need to be displayed.

Equivalent Level of Safety

To the extent these regulations are applicable to the proposed sUAS operations, an 

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

control point where the Operator will have immediate access to them.

The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this regulation, including: Exemption 

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

L. 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and 

(b): Maintenance Inspections

Petitioner also seeks an exemption from the maintenance inspection requirements 

contained in 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), 91.417(a) 

and (b). These regulations specify maintenance and inspection standards in reference to 

14 C.F.R. Part 43. See, e.g., 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a) (stating that each owner or operator of 

an aircraft "[s]hall have the aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and 

shall between required inspections ...have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 

of this chapter"). An exemption to these regulations is needed because Part 43 and these 

sections only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, which the sUAS will not 

have.

Equivalent Level of Safety

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections 

will be performed in accordance with the Operator’s Handbook as referenced in the 

Flight Operation Manual. As provided in the Flight Operation Manual, the operator will 

ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required 

maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. 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.

If mechanical issues arise, the sUAS's size and carrying capacity, and the fact that 

flight operations will only take place in restricted areas for limited periods of time during 

daylight hours, creates less risk than that associated with conventional rotorcraft 

performing the same operation.

VI. Public Interest

Granting Fenstermaker's exemption request furthers the public interest. National policy 

set by Congress favors early integration of UAS into the national airspace in controlled, safe 
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Page 11

working environments such as those propose in this petition. In addition, maintaining industrial 

safety has been a priority of state and local governments for decades.

By their nature, structural inspection sites present unique difficulties for persons 

attempting to inspect and maintain the structure. The components can be tall and have limited 

access. Sending a human observer or using helicopters to inspect such elevated structures carry 

certain risks. These risks can be avoided by using a small UAS under controlled conditions to 

photograph and document the state of the equipment. This helps to facilitate repairs and 

identify issues before they become problems. Current options for inspecting structures and 

conducting aerial site surveys and mapping is limited to using human personnel. Inspectors will 

either use a normal rotor wing manned-aircraft or crane baskets to raise a human observers to 

an elevated position. The use of an sUAS reduces the risk to human life by removing them 

from dangerous aspects of the inspection process.

In addition, granting the exception will help advance the knowledge base for conducting 

commercial UAS operations. This additional data will help the FAA set future rules regarding 

UAS flight operations, maintenance, and crew qualifications. The public also has an interest in 

reducing the hazards and emissions associated with alternate use of helicopters to conduct 

similar inspection operations. The UAS in question is very light weight and does not carry any 

flammable fuel, further reducing the risk from any potential accident.

VII. Privacy

All flights will occur over property with the property owner's prior consent and 

knowledge.

VIII. Federal Registry 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:

C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H; 14 CFR Part 27; 14 CFR 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 61.113; 14 CFR 

91.7(a); 14 CFR 91.9(b)(2); 14 CFR 91.103; 14 CFR 91.109(a); 14 CFR 91.119; 14 CFR 

91.121; 14 CFR 91.151(a); 14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b); 14 CFR 91.405(a); 14 CFR 91.407(a)(1); 

14 CFR 91.409(a)(2); 14 CFR 91.417 (a) & (b).

Approval of these exemptions allowing commercial operations of small and lightweight 

unmanned aircraft ("sUAS") to conduct structural inspections will enhance safety by reducing 

risk to Fenstermaker’s employees, the general public and property owners.

The DJI Innovations sUAS, weighing less than 35 pounds, with payload, and powered by 

batteries, eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible 

fuel carried on board. The sUAS is transported to the designated survey area set up. It is not 

flown from an external location to the work-site. The sUAS will carry no passengers or crew 

and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights.

The operation of this small UAS 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 lightweight sUASs operate 
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at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a controlled environment. As a result, they are far 

safer than conventional aerial survey and inspection operations conducted with fixed wing 

aircraft or helicopters.

IX. Conclusion

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012—size, 

weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation 

within visual line of sight and national security—provides more than adequate justification for 

the grant of the requested exemptions to permit C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. to 

operate sUASs in support of its Precision Aerial Surveying & Mapping in accordance with the 

Flight Operation and Operator’s Handbook appended hereto.

Granting the requested exemption will benefit the public interest as a whole in many 

ways, including (1) significantly improving safety and reducing risk by alleviating human 

exposure to danger, (2) improving the inspection process and decreasing operating costs, and 

(3) providing an environmentally conscientious way of conducting site surveys and structural 

inspections.

Sincerely,

John L. Wright

Encls: - Flight Operations Manual (confidential)

- sUAS Operator’s Handbook (confidential)

- Exhibit A, S800 User Manual

- Exhibit B, X9D PLUS Transmitter Manual

- Exhibit C, Receiver L9R Manual

- Exhibit D, Mission Planner Manual

- Exhibit E, Pixhawk Autopilot Manual (rev.7)

- Exhibit F, EzUHF JR Module Manual

- Exhibit G, TIGER MOTOR MT2814 Manual

- Exhibit H, Operational Checklist