September 25, 2015

Exemption No. 13034

Regulatory Docket No. FAA−2015−2835

Mr. Ellis E Reno

Owner

UXO RECON.LLC

P.O. Box 733

Helendale, CA 92342

Dear Mr. Reno:

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 June 9, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of UXO RECON.LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The 

petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

videography, photography, land survey, inspections, precision agriculture, search and rescue, 

and to increase public knowledge.

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

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

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

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

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

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 
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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 relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, 

Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing 

requirements of part 36, is not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data 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, UXO RECON.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.

 

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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Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, UXO RECON.LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ 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. 
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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 

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 
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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 

(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 
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(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

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.
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29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

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

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

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

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

under this grant of exemption;

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

the UAS;

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

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

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

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

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

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

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

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

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
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This exemption terminates on October 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, DC

 Regulatory Docket No. _______________

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF:

UXO RECON.LLC

Federal Employer ID #: 47-2720320

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL

OPERATION OF a) DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+ 

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012

(PUBLIC LAW 112-95)

Submitted on 9 JUNE 2015

UXO RECON.LLC

Ellis E Reno,Owner

PO Box 733

Helendale, CA 92342

507-828-8790

sales@uxorecon.com

Uxo Recon.LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) &

(a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to 

Section

333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will

permit UXO RECON.LLC to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the

commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography for real estate

photography, film landscape over certain areas of the United States.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER
My name is Ellis E Reno., Owner/President of UXO RECON.LLC, It is my mission to 

provide my clients with expertise and knowledge in all aspects of picture, video & audio 

production, as well as provide them with advanced technologies & solutions that will 

increase efficiency, productivity and effectiveness. UXO RECON.LLC also provides 

clients with the highest quality digital content for use in their commercial, personal, and 

non-profit multimedia projects. UXO RECON.LLC has several years of professional 

experience inphotography and videography and has become recognized as an expert in 

this field.

UXO RECON.LLC has 10 years of recreational/hobby experience in all aspects of aerial

video and photography. The objective of UXO RECON.LLC aerial video and

photography operations is to provide high quality imaging for a variety of commercial,

public, and residential uses, specifically targeting:

• Real Estate Videography and Photography

• Land survey & appraisals

• Equipment Inspections

• Construction sites before & after

• Precision Agriculture

• Search and Rescue Operations

• Increase public knowledge of UAS and promote safe UAS operations.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, UAS

UXO RECON.LLC seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation or

hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ vertical takeoff

and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS)

utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ has a

maximum gross weight of approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, while having a length of

16 inches width of 16 inches, height of 8 inches, and a maximum speed of 

approximately 29 knots. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs are

equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric

motors.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs that will be operated by UXO RECON.LLC will be 

registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft,

as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking.

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, UXO RECON.LLC., pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation

Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby

petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, DJI

Inspire 1 UASs in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the

requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associated
with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, UXO RECON.LLC operation of DJI 

Phantom

2 Vision+ UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and

therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part

21, Subpart H.

Accordingly, UXO RECON.LLC requests relief from Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth

requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.

UXO RECON.LLC submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent

level of safety will be ensured. UXO RECON.LLC. will use experienced personnel or

technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS

using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents 

(i.e.,

Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction

Manual). Furthermore, UXO RECON.LLC will document and maintain all maintenance

records for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private

pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by UXO RECON.LLC. to

the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher

level certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by

meeting minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely

operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with

this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

UXO RECON.LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft

airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS do not

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As

such, UXO RECON.LLC submits that they will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining

that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly

Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual),

and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight.

UXO RECON.LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section

91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS

will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be provided to the PIC via Global

Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link,

which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This

altitude information, combined with UXO RECON.LLC operation of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL,

will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, UXO RECON.LLC seeks an exemption from the requirements of

Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. UXO 

RECON.LLC submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2
Vision+ UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions

(VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total

duration of approximately 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and,

assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, UXO RECON.LLC provides the following

information in support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is:

Ellis E Reno,Owner UXO RECON.LLC

PO Box 733

Helendale, CA 92342

507-828-8790

sales@uxorecon.com

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which UXO RECON.LLC Seeks

Exemption.

1. UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

Part 21, Subpart H

14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, establishes the procedural requirements for the

issuance of airworthiness certificates as required by 14 C.F.R. §91.203(a)(1)

2. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

61.113(a) And (b).

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command,

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command

(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or

hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in

connection with any business or employment if—

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or

hire.

3. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.7(a).

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the

following:

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

4. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.121.

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in

part:

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight

level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set,

when operating--
(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to--

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and

within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft;

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of

this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate

available station; or

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(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of

the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available

before departure.

5. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.151(b).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions,

subsection (b), states the following:

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft 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, to

fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

6. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section

91.405(a).

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required, subsection (a), states the

following: Each owner or operator of an aircraft—

(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and

shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this

section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]

7. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section

91.407(a)(1)

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance,

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection (a)(1), states the following:

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance,

preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under §

43.7 of this chapter[.]

8. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections

91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2).

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an

aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had --

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has

been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of

this chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance

with part 21 of this chapter.

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9. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections

91.417(a) And 91.417(b).
Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the

following:

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413, each

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods

specified in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and

records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or

approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the

airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft.

The records must include--

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of

the work performed; and

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the

aircraft for return to service.

(2) Records containing the following information:

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller,

and each rotor.

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine,

propeller, rotor, and appliance.

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which

are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since

the last inspection required by the inspection program under which

the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and

safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the

AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety

directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next

action is required.

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each

major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors,

propellers, and appliances.

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods

prescribed:

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained

until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after

the work is performed.

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained

and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11

of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the

aircraft is approved for return to service.

10

C. The Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO 

RECON.LLC Seeks The Relief.
1. UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section Part 21,

Subpart H

Given the size and limited operating area associated with the UAS to be utilized by

UXO RECON.LLC 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 (49 U.S.C.§ 44701(f)) 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 UAS operated without 

an

airworthiness certificate, in the restricted environment and under the conditions 

proposed

will be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional rotorcraft operating with an

airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and conditions of the proposed UAS

operations.

2. Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations:

Pilot in command, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private

pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical certificate,

and who has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to conduct the 

proposed

UAS flight operations for compensation or hire.

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state

that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection

with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or

employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for 

compensation

or hire.

As set forth more fully below, UXO RECON.LLC submits that an equivalent level of

safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight-hour and

currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the 

DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the operations

specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency

maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles

and structures.

11

Further, UXO RECON.LLC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI

Inspire 1 UASs, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be

incidental to UXO RECON.LLC business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property 

for

compensation or hire.

3. Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO RECON.LLC
Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the extent

required to allow UXO RECON.LLC to determine that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS

are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS

is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the UXO RECON.LLC Aerial

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction 

Manual).

UXO RECON.LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS

do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R.

Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, UXO RECON.LLC. will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance

with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further,

determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and

limitations below.

4. Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight

operations of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS which utilize a

barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry 

data

link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control

station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS

operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL),

UXO RECON.LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS 

altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local

barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight.

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is

sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations

stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be

maintained since the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ is equipped with

a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a

ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the 

PIC

with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS.

12

5. Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b).

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is

requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions

(VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first

point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at

least 4.5 minutes. UXO RECON.LLC seeks the requested relief because without an

exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UAs will severely constrain the practicality of any
aerial video or still photo flight operations that UXO RECON.LLC proposes to conduct

pursuant to this Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ operating

documents, and UXO RECON.LLC proposed operating limitations, ensure that UXO 

RECON.LLC will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual

flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes

to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after 

that

for at least 4.5 minutes.

6. Extent Of Relief UXO RECON.LLC Seeks And The Reason UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And

91.417(a) & (b).

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only

apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, UXO RECON.LLC requests relief from

these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UASsdo not require

airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an

airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, UXO RECON.LLC. will use trained technicians to

perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., 

the UXO RECON.LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, UXO 

RECON.LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 

2 Vision+ UAS

13

D. The Reasons Why Granting UXO RECON.LLC Request Would Be In The Public

Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole.

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing UXO 

RECON.LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and 

photography of, real

estate, special events, precision agriculture, land survey & appraisal,

construction sites, equipment & roof inspections, landscape over certain

areas of the United States.

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will decrease

congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the 

economy.

Notably, the benefits of UXO RECON.LLC proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs is battery powered and serve as a

safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to

obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform

aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use of a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS 

would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and
air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the

ground.

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS,

congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. 

The

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs do not require an airport to takeoff or

land.

Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography

missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during

the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

2. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS.

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS,

instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the

levels of air and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still

photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS produce no air pollution, and is the most

viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal

combustion engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography,

while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial

acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAs are propelled by battery 

powered

electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.

14

By using the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS to perform aerial

acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which 

is

usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially

reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located

onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs (weighing

approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces and 6 pounds 7.5 ounces , at the

maximum gross weights with lengths of 16 inches and 17.3 inches respectively, widths 

of

16 inches and 17.7 inches respectively, and with no fuel on board), has less physical

potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the air,

compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations (weighing

approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34

feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS Will Benefit The Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS are also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar

aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

UAS will allow United States based companies, like UXO RECON.LLC., to remain

competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising
cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory

actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must

adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the

battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is one such technology

that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned

aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional

manned aircraft.

By operating the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, companies such as

UXO RECON.LLC., can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide 

greater

job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of

the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through

commercial use of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, provides a stable

workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax

revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to 

remain

competitive both in the United States and abroad.

4. There Are No Privacy Issues.

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for

decades, UXO RECON.LLC proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will 

not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating

documents (i.e., the UXO RECON.LLC. Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly 

Maintenance

Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual) which requires

15

property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in

accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude

requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

16

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 UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs Meet The

Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section

333.

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with 

the

unmanned aircraft and its operation, UXO RECON.LLC operation of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification

and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users

of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically,

FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of

Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may

operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan

and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required

by section 334 of this Act.

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination

under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their

size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and

populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create

a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose

a threat to national security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or

airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United

States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft

systems identified under paragraph (1).

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this

section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the

national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the

safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

In seeking this exemption, UXO RECON.LLC submits that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

and

DJI Inspire 1 UASs can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as

demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1

UASs; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

17

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 Visio+ UAS

Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS do not create a hazard to users of

the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering its 

size,

weight, speed, and operational capability.

i. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are

set forth by the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ a Specifications and Data Sheet,

attached hereto as Exhibit A and B.

ii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Autonomous Flight And

Navigation Modes Enable The UASs To Remain Within A Defined Operational

Area.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS may be operated in both manual and

fully autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational

modes of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs are provided at pages 23-

41 of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+; and pages 12-18 and 45-52 of the DJI Inspire 1 User

Manuals, attached hereto as Exhibit C and D.

iii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Are Designed For

Automatic Return To Home Point Or Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control
Link Or Navigation.

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UAs will

remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 

2

Vision+ UAs do not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs

will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the home position

(i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. A

complete description of the Failsafe Functions for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are

set forth at pages 32 through 34 of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual; and for the

DJI Inspire 1 at pages 13 through 15 of the DJI Inspire 1 User Manual, attached hereto 

as

Exhibit C and D.

iv. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ GCS And Its Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

flight control software is provided at pages 7 through 17 of

the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual; and pages 24 through 34 of . DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ User Manuals are attached hereto

as Exhibits C and D.

b. Flight Operations Of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs Are

Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety

Observer.

UXO RECON.LLC. will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current and valid

18

airman medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs. Additionally, a safety observer will assist all pilots

during flight time.

c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Will Be Conducted

Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations.

In seeking this exemption, UXO RECON.LLC proposes to commercially operate DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS for the special purpose of conducting

aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the

following specific operating limitations:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following

aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing less than 55

pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 Unmanned

Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or

a petition to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the

purpose of aerial video and photography.

3. The UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground level

(AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a

special request is made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in

feet AGL.

5. The UAs 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.

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer (SO) is not 

permitted.

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy the

VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The SO 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 SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating documents.

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and

avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not

permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS

19

operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy 

exists

between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the

procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations 

contained

in the grant of exemption 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 upon 

request.

The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for

extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any

update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted the exemption,

then the operator must petition for 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.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition 

for

safe flight. 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. The Ground Control

Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations 

must

be properly documented in the aircraft records.

11. 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. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must

make an entry in the aircraft records.
12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable

components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the

operating documents.

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance,

overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping

requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection,

alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must be noted in the

aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, and

the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service.

15. Each UASs operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

Safety

Bulletins.

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective

action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current 

thirdclass

medical certificate.

20

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the 

operator’s

qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner

consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, 

vessels,

vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner

consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s

PICs are permitted under the terms of the 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 C.F.R. § 91.119.

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. 

All

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at

night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to proposed

area of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as

denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement 

with

that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance 

with

a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport

management must be made available to the Administrator upon request.

21. 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.
22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a 

predetermined

location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in

accordance with the operating documents.

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

in

accordance with the operating documents.

24. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast

weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the 

intended

landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining.

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of

Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of

exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman

(NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the

operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements 

in

the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential 

transponder

requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial

number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification 

(NNumber)

markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as

large as practicable.

21

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and

control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or

other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to

the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These

documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official

upon request.

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation

operations and activities at all times.

30. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating

persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential 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 and/or;
b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the 

owner/controller

of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 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, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do not 

present

an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with

permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from

land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be

conducted.

33. 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.

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And

(b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

UXO RECON.LLC submits that the equivalent level of safety established by

Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate

the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by

22

meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely

operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering UXO RECON.LLC, Inc.’s proposed area of operations, and the operating

limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge

requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062);

and

the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, UXO 

RECON.LLC. submits that the additional manned airmanship

experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship

skills necessary for UXO RECON.LLC’s specific proposed flight operations.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to

UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110,

11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

UXO RECON.LLC. will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS 

unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour

requirements or the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS training and currency

requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a 

manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and

emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels,
vehicles and structures.

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent

with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a

minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model 

of

UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour

requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 

days

(for currency purposes).

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight

experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an

equivalent level of safety during UXO RECON.LLC’ proposed operations. The

Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in

compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows:

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for

the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have

accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of 

total

time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a

multi-rotor UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also 

have

accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make

and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the

23

FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; 

i.e.

5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of multi-rotor time and 

the

10 hours may be included in the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the

hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 

90

days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour

requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency 

in

the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA 

also

finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with

applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and

experience-building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to

accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building

flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance

with 14 C.F.R 91.119.

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15.

Accordingly, UXO RECON.LLC will ensure safe operations by not allowing any

PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ or DJI Inspire 1 UAS unless that PIC has

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC
is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ or DJI Inspire 1 UAS in a manner

consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and

maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a)

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained

because prior to every flight, UXO RECON.LLC. will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s

compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations

herein.

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific

to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein 

(e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110,

11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would

Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained

because the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs

will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry

data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight

path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with UXO RECON.LLC’ operation

of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAs within visual line of sight, at or

below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The

altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft.

24

Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the

UASs at ground level.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. 

Exemption

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138,

11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b)

Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established

by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight

operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, UXO 

RECON.LLC

will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2

Vision+ UAs during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough

battery power to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended

landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom

2 Vision+ UAs; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and
the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety

established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs provide audible and visual warnings to

the PIC at the GCS when the UAs experiences low battery voltage, the first warning

occurring at approximately 33% remaining battery power, and again at approximately

10% remaining battery power. At the critically low battery level, the DJI Phantom

Vision+ UAS will descend and land automatically.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section

91.151 establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics

and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for 

manned

aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including

Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted

relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material

respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042,

11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 

11150,

11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely Affect

Safety.

In seeking this exemption, UXO RECON.LLC submits that the equivalent level of

safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements 

established

25

by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be

met because UXO RECON.LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance,

alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and

practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the UXO RECON.LLC Aerial

Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI

Inspire 1 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, UXO RECON.LLC will document and

maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

Since the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be inspected as

prescribed by the operating documents, UXO RECON.LLC will maintain the equivalent

level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A 

copy

of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manuals are attached hereto as

Exhibit C and D; a copy of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS

Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Exhibit E.

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because UXO 

RECON.LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or 

preventive

maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by 

the

operating documents.

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety
established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of 

the

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will be performed by trained technicians.

Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety

is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of

the UAS are considered.

In consideration of UXO RECON.LLC proposed operating limitations, the

operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UXO 

RECON.LLC submits that safety will not be adversely affected by

granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2),

91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to

UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110,

11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of

2012 (FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, UXO RECON.LLC

requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI

Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, which contain such safety standards that 

the

Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established

26

by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121,

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). Such

special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAs for the limited purpose of

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for

compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering

whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose 

a

threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate

without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be

established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS.

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14

C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs,

since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or

appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft.

Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following:

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain

adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller

because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller,

he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special

conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety

standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to

establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations.
See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may

prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI Phantom 

2

Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs, which contain such safety standards that the

Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established

by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 

91.121,

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

F. A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating:

The Rules From Which UXO RECON.LLC Seeks Exemption:

UXO RECON.LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections

61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1)

& (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption UXO RECON.LLC

Seeks:

This exemption will permit UXO RECON.LLC to commercially operate an Unmanned

Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over

certain areas of the United States.

27

Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support UXO 

RECON.LLC Request.

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if

certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, UXO RECON.LLC request for

exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 

C.F.R.

Part 11, as set forth above. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for 

considering

whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose 

a

threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate

without airworthiness certification. As discussed in detail above, UXO RECON.LLC will

operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS safely in the NAS, without

creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to 

national

security.

28

29

APPENDIX – A

DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

UXO RECON.LLC only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in 

small

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user

to set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can 

also
be set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit

flight to a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real-time

altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet

devices)

1.1 DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

1.1.1 Aircraft

1.1.1.1 Supported Battery – DJI 5200mAH LiPo Battery

1.1.1.2 Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) – 2lbs 11.810oz (1242g)

1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly) – Vertical: .8m; Horizontal: 2.5m

1.1.1.4 Max Yaw Angular Velocity - 2000/s

1.1.1.5 Max Tilt Angel - 350

1.1.1.6 Max Ascent Speed – 6m/s

1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed – 2m/s

1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed – 15m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED)

1.1.2 Gimbal

1.1.2.1 Working Current – Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA

1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy - ±0.030

1.1.2.3 Controllable Range – Pitch: -900 - 00

1.1.2.4 Maximum Angular Speed – Pitch: 900/s

1.1.3 Camera

1.1.3.1 Operating Temperature Range - 320F - 1040F (00C - 400C)

1.1.3.2 Sensor Size – 1/2.3”

1.1.3.3 Effective Pixels – 14M

1.1.3.4 Resolution – 4384x3288

1.1.3.5 HD Video Recording – 1080p30 & 720p

1.1.3.6 Recording Field of View - 1100/850

1.1.4 Transmitter

1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency – 5.728GHz – 5.85GHz

1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed) – FCC Compliance: 800m

1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) - -93dBm

1.1.4.4 Transmitter Power – FCC Compliance: 100mW

1.1.4.5 Working Voltage – 120mA@3.7V30

1.1.5 Range Extender

1.1.5.1 Operating Frequency – 2412-2462MHz

1.1.5.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed) – 500-700m

1.1.5.3 Transmitter Power – 20dBm

1.1.5.4 Power Consumption – 2W

30

APPENDIX – B

DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+ Manufacturer’s User Manual

User manual can be found at:

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2-vision/download

APPENDIX - C

31

MONTHLY(MAINTENANCE(LOG
month:'__________''year:''_________

UAS(#:(______________

Date'Issue'

Discovered

Date'Issue'

Addressed

Software'Updates

Airframe

Engines

Propellers

Camera'Gimbal

Landing'Gear

Vibration'Dampening

Other:

Maintenance'Performed'by:''''''''''''''

Issue''Description'&'Maintenance'Conducted Print'&'Sign