UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC 

Regulatory Docket No. _______________ 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF: 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 

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:

DJI PHANTOM 2, DJI PHANTOM 3 PROFESSIONAL

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF 

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 

(PUBLIC LAW 112-95)

Submitted on December 08, 2015 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 

1702 Kewalo Street, Apt. 1201 

Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 

(808) 393-8027 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 1
TABLE OF CONTENT

SUMMARY 3

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 3

BACKGROUND 3

BASIS FOR PETITION 4

A. Name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: 5

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks 

Exemption. 5

C. The Extent Of Relief Sought by SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC: 8

D.The Reasons Why Granting SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Request Would Be In The Public 

Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole. 11

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 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks Exemption. 12

F. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Would 

Not Adversely Affect Safety. 18

G. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 20

H. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 20

I. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not 

Adversely Affect Safety. 20

J. 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. 21

K. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation. 22

L. CONCLUSION 23

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 2
SUMMARY 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & 

(b), 91.7(a), 91.119 (c), 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 SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography of real estate, commercial properties and landscapes 

in the State of Hawaii. 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks to establish and provide a service provider based company 

capable of providing high quality aerial images and videos to its clients with the safest and most 

cost effective means available. The focus of SLICK PIXELS HAWAII is to provide these services 

to the following commercial markets: 

Aerial Photography and Videography for Real Estate Marketing and Promotion

Aerial Photography and Videography for Tourism Marketing and Advertising

Residential and Commercial Property Inspections, Appraisals and Survey 

BACKGROUND 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks an exemption to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional for compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional platform is VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) Unmanned Aircraft 

(UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. 

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional have a maximum gross weight of 

approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, with the dimensions of 16x16 inches wide, height of 8 

inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 31 knots . The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 

3 Professional are driven by rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors that 

drive four main rotors. 

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional that will be operated by SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 3
BASIS FOR PETITION 

Petitioner, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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, DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s operation of DJI Phantom 2 

and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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. 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent 

level of safety will be ensured. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 & DJI Phantom 3 Professional Instruction Manuals). 

Furthermore, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records 

for the DJI Phantom 2 & DJI Phantom 3 Professional.

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

limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 

and DJI Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

SILCK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, 

because the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 Professional do not require an airworthiness 

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 

LLC submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional are 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 & DJI Phantom 3 

Professional Instruction Manuals), and that the aircrafts are in a condition for safe flight. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 4
SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, 

entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional will not have a 

typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2, DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional 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 SLICK 

PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s operation of the DJI Phantom 2 within visual line of sight, at or below 

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

Additionally, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 

91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 

submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 

Professional 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 

provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption: 

A. Name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: 

Hiep Nguyen

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC

1702 Kewalo Street, Apt. #1201

Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

Phone: (808) 393-8027

Email: hiep@luxuryhomephoto.com

B. The Specifc Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 

LLC Seeks Exemption. 

B01. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 5
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

B.02 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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. 

B.03 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of 

Section 91.119 (b). Section 91.119(b) establishes safe altitudes for operations of civil aircraft 

over congested areas and is defined as follows: “(b) Over congested areas. Over any 

congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an 

altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the 

aircraft.” 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks relief from this exemption as our main operating 

within the Island of Oahu community is widely considered a “congested area” depicted 

on a VFR Sectional Chart by a “yellow” color shade. The UAS will be operating within a 

restricted area around our point of interest preventing non-participating people to be 

well clear and safe of our operations. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC has no intention of 

operating our UAS above 400 feet in height above and not beyond the area of interest. 

This confined operating work space will support that safe operations within a congested 

community can be safely accomplished. We also plan to have placards or self-standing 

signs notifying the general public that UAS operations are operating overhead and 

please stand clear. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC is focused on maintaining a high degree 

of safety in all aspects of our flight operations and any foreign body such as person or 

vehicle which enters our restricted area of operation would cause an immediate 

suspension of flight operations until that obstacle can be cleared. 

B.04 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 

(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. 

B.05 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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: 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 6
(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 30 minutes. 

B.06 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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— 

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[.] 

B.07 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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[.] 

B.08 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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. 

B.09 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 7
(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 completed 

project. 

(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. 

C. The Extent Of Relief Sought by SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC: 

C.01 Extent Of Relief SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks And The Reason SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 8
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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that an equivalent level 

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

and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 

and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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. 

Further, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will 

be incidental to SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC; and (2) will not carry passengers or property 

for compensation or hire. 

C.02 Extent Of Relief SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks And The Reason SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC to determine that the DJI Phantom 2, DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional is in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the 

UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Aerial Operations Manual, 

Monthly Maintenance Log, and Instruction Manuals). 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 

C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will ensure that the DJI 

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional are in airworthy condition based upon its 

compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Logs, and DJI 

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional Instruction Manuals) prior to every flight, and 

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

and limitations below. 

C.03 Extent Of Relief SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks And The Reason SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 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), SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 

seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional’s 

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

pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 9
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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional are 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. 

C.04 Extent Of Relief SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks And The Reason SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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 and 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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. SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional will severely constrain the practicality of any 

aerial video or still photo flight operations that SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC proposes to 

conduct pursuant to this Petition. 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 

Professional operating documents, and SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s proposed operating 

limitations, ensure that SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will safely operate the battery powered 

DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Professional 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. 

C.05 Extent Of Relief SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Seeks And The Reason SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC requests relief from 

these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Professional do not require 

airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 

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

airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will use trained 

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

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

(i.e., the SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, 

and DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Professional Instruction Manual). Furthermore, SLICK 

PIXELS HAWAII LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI 

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional.

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 10
D.The Reasons Why Granting SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC Request Would 

Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Beneft The Public As A 

Whole. 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing SLICK PIXELS 

HAWAII LLC to safely, efficiently, and economically perform commercial aerial photography 

and videography services to the general public and local government entities. As tourism is a 

major economical factor in the State of Hawaii, the ability to effectively market our state not 

only boosts our local economy but also the national economy as well. We look to work with 

local Hawaii tourism boards to help provide stunning aerial photography and videography at 

cost effective price points that will promote our state as a magnet for tourism for years to come. 

Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional will decrease congestion 

of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the 

benefits of SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional platforms will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. 

D.01 The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS.

The DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 Professional UAs are 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 the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional platforms 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. 

D.02 The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Phantom 2 & DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional. 

Conducting aerial photography operations with the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional produces 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 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial photography 

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

electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 11
By using the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional to perform aerial photography 

operations, 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 and/or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located 

onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional (weighing 

approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces at their maximum gross weights with length x width of 

16 inches x 16 inches, and with no fuel on board), has far less kinetic and 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). 

D.03 Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional Will Benefit The Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

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

operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional will 

allow United States based companies, like SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional, companies such as SLICK 

PIXELS HAWAII 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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. 

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 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 

LLC Seeks Exemption. 

E.01 Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional Meet The Conditions 

Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 12
In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

unmanned aircraft and its operation, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s operation of the DJI 

Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 rule-making 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that the DJI Phantom 2 and 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as 

demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 UAs; (b) the pilot certification 

requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. 

(a). The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional

Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics. 

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 are set forth 

by the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional Specifications and Data 

Sheet which can be found in the Instruction Manuals of the DJI Phantom 2 and 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 13
ii. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional Autonomous Flight And 

Navigation Modes Enable The UAs To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional is 

provided in the User Manuals. 

iii. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 UAs will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds 

or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 vertically descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional is set forth in the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional User Manuals. 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 2, 

Phantom 3 Professional and flight control software is provided in the DJI Phantom 2, 

DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals. 

(b). Flight Operation Of DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional is limited to the 

line of sight of a certificated pilot in command with a safety observer. 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will only utilize certificated Commercial pilots who 

possess a current and valid airman medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) 

of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional. Additionally, a safety observer 

will assist all pilots during flight time.

(c). Flights Of DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional UAs Will Be Conducted 

Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC proposes to commercially 

operate the DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Professional platforms for the special purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography in the State of Hawaii, 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 UAs weighing less than 55 

pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 3 Professional. 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 35 mph. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 14
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 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 15
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 UAs 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 

third- class medical certificate. 

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 experiencebuilding 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 16
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 (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. 

Markings must be as large as practicable. 

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: 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 17
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. 

F. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 

61.113(a) And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety. 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 

and DJI Phantom 3 Professional UAs in a manner consistent with the exemption, including 

evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, 

vehicles and structures. 

Considering SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’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 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that the additional manned airmanship 

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

necessary for SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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). 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 18
SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour 

requirements or the DJI Phantom 2 training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to 

safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s 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 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. 

Accordingly, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC 

to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional in a manner consistent with the 

exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate 

distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 19
G. 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 

3 Professional are 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). 

H. 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 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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 SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC’s operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is 

automatically established by the UAs 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). 

I. 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; (2) the 

limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight 

operations. Accordingly, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will ensure that it will safely operate the 

battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 20
Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional; 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 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional 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 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional 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). 

J. 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC submits that the equivalent level of 

safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by 

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

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, 

or preventive maintenance on the UAs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed 

in the operating documents (i.e., the Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and 

DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional Instruction Manuals). Furthermore, SLICK 

PIXELS HAWAII LLC will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 

2. 

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 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional 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. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 21
In consideration of SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC ‘s proposed operating limitations, the 

operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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). 

K. 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC requests that the FAA 

prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, 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 §§ 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, 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, 

Phantom 3 Professional UAs, 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). 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 22
This exemption will permit SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC to commercially operate an 

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

in the State of Hawaii. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support 

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC. 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII 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, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC will operate the DJI Phantom 2 and 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or 

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

L. CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 

11.61 and Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will 

permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional commercially, 

without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and 

photography in the State of Hawaii. By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be 

fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while 

also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC to safely, 

efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Professional

commercially within the NAS. 

Wherefore, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization 

and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC respectfully requests that the 

Administrator grant this Petition for an 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), and permit SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial photography and 

videography in Hawaii. 

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 23
Dated: December 8th, 2015 

Respectfully submitted 

Hiep Nguyen

SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC

Petition for Exemption SLICK PIXELS HAWAII LLC 24