P.O. Box 718

Lumberton, NC 28359

Office/Fax – 910-738-4062

December 23, 2015

Docket Operations, M-30

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

1200 New Jersey Avenue

Room W12-140

West Building Ground Floor

Washington, DC 20590-0001

RE: Petition for Exemption under Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

Public 112-95 February 14, 2012, Section 333

Dear Sir or Madam:

Attached you will find The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC request for an exemption from the 

listed Federal Aviation Regulations to allow for commercial operations of its Small Unmanned Aircraft System 

(“sUAS”) for aerial imaging of commercial and residential property in connection with our real estate and 

appraisal operations in southeastern North Carolina. With the ability to use sUAS’s in our day to day 

business we hope to be more accurate in our valuation analysis’s provided by our company as well as assist in 

marketing large tracts of land and specialty properties.

We thank you for your time and consideration of expedition of this request. Should you have any questions or 

concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Mark Sessions

State Certified Residential Appraiser – NC3465

msessions@nc.rr.com

The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC

/enclosure application
Introduction

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act) and 14 C.F.R. 

Part 11, The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC, a real property appraisal company and brokerage 

firm, hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow 

commercial operation of its Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems ("sUAS") for aerial imaging for inspecting and/or 

recording of secured and controlled environment construction sites, proposed development sites, existing 

construction, overall inspections of property and aerial photography in connection with real property 

valuations, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as 

may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.

As detailed in this document, the requested exemption would permit the operation of sUAS under controlled 

conditions in airspace that is 1) limited 2) predetermined 3) controlled as to access and 4) would provide 

safety enhancements to the already best practices safety protocols followed by The Sessions Company Realty 

& Appraisal, LLC at each one of its project sites. Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety 

and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to "...establish 

requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system." Section 333(c) of 

the Reform Act.

This exemption request is exclusively for the use of the sUAS manufactured by Horizon Hobby, Blade 

Chroma 4k model, serial number 2231971653.

Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 14 C.F.R. Part 21

14 C.

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b)

14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) & (b)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a)

14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2)

14 C.F.R. 91.103

14 C.F.R. 91.109

14 C.F.R. 91.119

14 C.F.R. 91.121

14 C.F.R. 91.151 (a)

14 C.F.R. 91.203 (a) & (b)

Exemption Applicant

The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC

Attn: Mark Sessions

PO Box 718

Lumberton, NC 28359

(910) 738-4062 – office

(910) 734-5885 – mobile

msessions@nc.rr.com - email

www.thesessionscompany.com – web

1
Intended sUAS Use

Evaluating overall property characteristics by documenting the overall extent of the improvements, condition 

of the improvements and any deferred maintenance that might not be typically visible from ground level. 

Investigation and findings specifically for building exteriors would be greatly enhanced by the use of a sUAS. 

Using a sUAS would reduce the time and greatly improve the analysis for exterior construction improvements 

and defects on multiple story buildings. A sUAS could inspect, find, and record information that would be 

otherwise be inaccessible to the typical real property appraiser. This type of inspection would greatly improve 

the ability to properly value the land and improvements being appraised. In addition the sUAS images would 

be used to enhance the presentation of a listed property and show potential buyers features that cannot 

typically be seen at ground level. 

I. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR EXEMPTIONS

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

includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, including UAS, from the

requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate. The Administrator may grant 

an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any 

sections 44702-44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest. 49 U.S .C. 

§44701 (f) See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC §44704; 14 CFR 91.203(a)(1).

Section 333(b) of the Reform Act assists the Secretary in determining whether UAS may operate in the

National Airspace System (NAS) without creating a hazard to the user, the public, or a threat to national

security. In making this determination, the Secretary must consider:

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

 Whether the UAS operates within the visual line of sight of the operator

 Whether the UAS operates outside of highly populated areas and away from close proximity to

 Airports

Reform Act §333(a). If the Secretary determines that a UAS "may operate safely in the national airspace

system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national

airspace system." Id. §333(c).

The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisals' sUAS is a multi-rotor vehicle, weighting 5 or fewer lbs. including 

payload. The sUAS operates under normal conditions at a speed of no more than 50 knots and has the 

capability to hover and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. The sUAS will operate only 

in the pilot's visual line of sight at all times and will operate only within the recommendations described in the

Blade Chroma Flight Manual, such operations will insure that the sUAS will "not create a hazard to users of 

the national airspace system or the public." Reform Act Section 333 (b).

Given the small size of the sUAS involved and the restricted and sterile environment within which they will 

operate, this application falls within the zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress 

envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of sUAS to commence 

immediately.

Also due to the small size of the sUAS and the low altitudes and restricted areas in which our sUAS will

operate, approval of the application presents no national security issue.

2
Given the clear direction in Section 333 of the Reform Act, the authority contained in the Federal Aviation 

Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations, and the significant 

public benefit, including enhanced safety, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. 

Accordingly, The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC respectfully requests that the FAA grant the 

requested exemption without delay.

II PUBLIC INTEREST

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress' goal in passing Section 333(a) through (c) 

of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether certain unmanned 

aircraft systems may operate safely in the NAS before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 

332 of the Reform Act. By granting an exemption the FAA will fulfill Congress's intent of allowing UAS to 

operate with significant safety precautions in low risk environments.

The use of sUAS on a construction or inspection site can significantly reduce the risk to workers of falls while 

inspecting a job site. The sUAS can inspect, photograph, and collect data on hard to get to areas that 

otherwise would require worker inspection or inhibit the inspection. Falls are the leading source of 

workplace fatality and injury on construction sites, and reducing falls through sUAS use for site imaging could 

reduce this risk. 

The sUAS we propose to fly in this application are under five pounds and carry no combustible material on 

board, as opposed to the much larger conventionally powered small aircraft. 

Lastly, UAS reduce the environmental impact by dramatically decreasing the energy used for aerial imaging and 

data collection over a construction site or large tract of land. Our sUAS uses rechargeable lithium ion 

batteries, as opposed to fossil fuels burned in operation of small aircraft that are many hundreds of times 

heavier. 

III EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil 

aircraft that have the characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations

provide for at least an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory 

structure because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to the already safe protocols 

followed on job sites and imaging and surveying operations conducted with helicopters and other conventional 

aircraft. The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC will be bound by the following limitations when 

conducting its UAS operations under an FAA issued exemption:

 The sUAS will be less than 5 pounds.

 Flights will be operated within visual line of sight of a pilot.

 Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 15 minutes. The sUAS calculates battery 

 reserve in real time, and will return to its ground station with at least 20% battery power reserve

 should that occur prior to the 15 minute limit.

 Flights will be operated at an altitude of 200 feet AGL, never exceeding 400 feet AGL.

3
 Crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS pilot who will keep the sUAS within their visual 

 line of sight at all times and a spotter.

 The sUAS pilot will be trained in flight, operations, and safety procedures as detailed in this 

 document and as detailed in the Blade Chroma Manual.

 The sUAS will only operate within confined areas as defined in this document. This document and 

 the Blade Chroma Manual also require the establishment of a Security Perimeter for the flight 

 operations area.

 A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior to each days 

 production activities. It will be mandatory that all personnel who will be performing duties within 

 the boundaries of the safety perimeter be present for this briefing.

 All onsite personnel will consent to the sUAS flyover on site by waiver, and the operator will obtain 

 additional verbal or written consent of all persons who will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight 

 operation.

 The pilot will have been trained in operation of sUAS generally and received up-to-date information 

 on the particular sUAS to be operated as required by this document.

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

 All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county, or city 

 jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies.

 If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it will have capability to return to a 

 predetermined location within the Security Perimeter and land.

IV DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91203(a)(1) Subpart H, entitled 

Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance of airworthiness 

certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Given the size and limited operating area associated with the 

aircraft to be utilized by The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, 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 sUAS. Our sUAS 

will be operated at low speed in a controlled environment, at least five miles from an airport and a safe 

distance from any densely populated area. 

An analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the sUAS operated without an airworthiness certificate, in the 

restricted environment and under the conditions proposed will be at least as safe, or safer, than a 

conventional aircraft (fixed wing or helicopter) operating with an airworthiness certificate without the 

restrictions and conditions proposed. 

4
The sUAS to be operated hereunder is less than 5 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot nor passenger,

carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a secured area as set 

out in this document and the Blade Chroma manual. Like other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption 

will be tightly controlled and monitored by the operator, pursuant to this document and the Chroma Manual's 

requirements, and under the requirements and in compliance with local public safety requirements, to provide 

security for the area of operation as is currently done on active job sites.

These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in connection with job sites, provide 

a greater degree of safety to the public and property owners than conventional operations conducted with 

airworthiness certificates issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Lastly, application of these same criteria demonstrates that there is no credible threat to national security 

posed by the sUAS, due to its size, speed of operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or 

flammable liquid fuels, and ability to carry an external load no greater than 2 lbs. 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b): Marking of the Aircraft

This regulation requires certain experimental, provisionally certificated aircraft, or light-sport category aircraft 

to be marked with letters between 2 inches and 6 inches high "limited," "restricted," "lightsport," 

“experimental," or "provisional," near each entrance to a cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. Even though the 

sUAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the UAS will have no entrance to 

the cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which the word "Experimental" can be placed. Given the size of the 

sUAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed on the fuselage in 

compliance with §45.29 (f).

The equivalent level of safety will be provided by having the sUAS marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 

(f) where the pilot, observer and others working with the sUAS will see the identification of the sUAS as 

"Experimental." The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation: Exemptions Nos. 10700, 

8738, 10167 and 10167A.

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b): Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command Sections 

61.113 (a) &

(b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. Because the sUAS will not carry a pilot or passengers, 

the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring the pilot 

operating the aircraft to have completed a sUAS flight training course of 10 hours before flying a sUAS. Unlike 

a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the sUAS is remotely controlled with no living 

thing or cargo on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and 

coordinated in advance as set forth in this document. The risks associated with the operation of the sUAS are 

so diminished from the level of risk associated with

commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the sUAS as 

requested with a pilot who has met the minimum requirements of this document exceeds the present level of 

safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. §61.113 (a) & (b).

5
14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a): Civil aircraft airworthiness

The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As there 

will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this exemption be granted, no FAA 

regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size of the aircraft and the 

requirements contained in the DJI Manual for maintenance and use of safety checklists prior to each flight, as 

set forth in this document, an equivalent level of safety will be provided.

14 CFR 91.9 (b)(2): Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements

The sUAS, given its size and configuration has no ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the aircraft, 

not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room or capacity to carry such an item 

on the aircraft. The equivalent level of safety will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground 

control point where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued the 

following exemptions to this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 

10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700.

14 C.F.R. 91.103: Preflight Action

This regulation requires each pilot in command take certain actions before flight to ensure the safety of flight. 

An exemption is needed from this requirement as the pilot will take separate preflight actions, including 

checking for weather conditions, checking flight battery requirements, checking takeoff and landing distances, 

and all other actions in the Preflight Checklist in this document and the Blade Chroma Manual. These actions 

will provide an equivalent level of safety.

14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight Instruction

Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is 

being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. By design, sUAS and 

remotely piloted aircraft do not have fully functional dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the 

use of a control box that communicates with the aircraft via radio communications. The FAA has previously 

approved exemptions for aircraft without fully functional dual controls. See Exemption Nos.5778K & 9862A. 

The equivalent level of safety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor passengers will be carried in the 

aircraft, the ability to control the sUAS via radio signals from the controller, and by the size and speed of the 

aircraft.

14 C.F. R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) allows helicopters to 

be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating the helicopter complies 

with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. This exemption is for a multi-rotor craft 

that flies similarly to a helicopter, with vertical takeoff and vertical landing, which will typically operate at 

altitudes of 200 AGL, so an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. The sUAS will never operate 

at altitude higher than 400 AGL and will be in a restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and 

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

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed of the sUAS as well as the location 

where it is operated. No flight will be taken without the permission of the property owner and/or local 

officials. Because of the advance notice to the property owner and any onsite personnel as outlined in the 

Manual, all affected individuals will be aware of the planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations 

with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 5 lbs. proposed herein and carrying 

flammable fuel, any risk associated with our operations is far less than those presently presented with 

helicopters and other conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL in the construction industry. In 

addition, the low-altitude operations of the UAS will ensure separation between these s UAS operations and 

the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119.

6
14 C.F.R. 91.121: Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to an 

altimeter that is set "...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available 

before departure." As the sUAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an 

exemption may be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the 

Manual and Safety Check list, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator 

before flight.

14 CFR 91.151 (a): Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

Section 91.151 (a) outlines fuel requirements for beginning a flight in VFR conditions. Our sUAS is limited to 

operations in sterile and controlled environments as outlined in the Manual, and has a limited range and flight 

time which require an exemption from 14 CFR 91.151(a). The battery powering the sUAS provides 

approximately 30 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, 

sUAS flights would be limited to 0 minutes in length. Given the limitations on the sUAS's proposed flight area 

and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in 

daylight or night VFR conditions is reasonable. The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC believes that an 

exemption from 14 CFR §91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing 

Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR

91.151(a)). Operating the sUAS, in a controlled area where only people and property owners or official 

representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not 

engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the 

sUAS. Additionally, limiting sUAS flights to 15 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the 

exemption will be granted. An equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 15 minutes, or 

enough battery reserve to ensure that the UAS lands at the ground station with at least 20% of battery power 

(as determined by the onboard monitoring system and the pilot), whichever happens first. This restriction

would be more than adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited 

operating area. Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 

10673, and 10808.

14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b): Carrying civil aircraft certification and registration

The regulation provides in part:

(a) Except as provided in § 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has within it the 

following:

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate....

(2) (b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by paragraph 

 (a) of this section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or 

 cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.

(3) The sUAS fully loaded weighs no more than 5 lbs and is operates without an onboard pilot. 

 Therefore there is no ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display 

 them on the UAS.

(4) An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground flight 

 control point where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to them, to the extent 

 they are applicable to the sUAS. The FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. A

 representative sample of other exceptions includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A,

 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 10700.

7
14 CFR 91.405 (a); 407 (a)(1); 409 (a)(2); 417 (a) & (b): Maintenance inspections

These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "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...," and others shall inspect or 

maintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43.

Given that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will 

not apply to The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator 

pursuant to the flight manual and operating handbook as referenced in this document and the Blade Chroma 

Manual. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these sUASs are very limited in size and will 

carry a small payload and operate only in restricted areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise 

the UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the 

Blade Chroma Manual and this document, the operator will ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to 

initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the 

operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy 

condition to provide the equivalent level of safety.

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the Federal Register, 

should it be determined that publication is needed:

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules: 14 C.F.R. §21, subpart H; 14 C.F.R 45.23(b);14 C.F.R. § 

§ 61.113( a) & (b);91.7 (a); 91.9 (b) (2);91.103(b);91.109; 91.119; 91.121; 91.151(a);91.203(a) and (b); 91.405 

(a); 91.407 (a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2); 91.409 (a) (2) and 91.417 (a) & (b) to operate commercially a small 

unmanned vehicle (55 lbs or less) in construction operations. Approval of exemptions allowing commercial 

operations of sUASs in the construction industry enhances safety while reducing risk. Manned aircraft 

monitoring and surveying creates a greater risk because the craft are much larger, have combustible fuel, and 

carry an onboard human pilot. In contrast, a sUAS weighing fewer than 5 lbs. and powered by batteries 

eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The 

sUAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with 

manned aircraft flights.

The operation of sUASs, weighting less than 5 lbs., conducted in the strict conditions outlined above, will 

provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions requested herein, including 

exempting the applicant from the requirements of Part 21 and allowing commercial operations. These 

lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in a controlled environment and, as a 

result, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with turbine helicopters operating in close 

proximity to the ground and people.

8
Equipment for Exemption and Aircraft Specs.

Performance

Flight Time Approximately 30 minutes

Flight Battery

Capacity 6500 mAh

Chemistry Lithium-polymer

Voltage 3S 11.1 VDC

Flight Control System

GPS GPS, GLONASS

Receiver

Frequency 2.4 GHz (control link)

Video Downlink

Frequency 5.8 GHz

Range Up to 1970' / 600 m line-of-sight

Transmitter

Specifications

Model: ST-10+ Personal Ground Station

Frequency: Control Channels: 2.4 GHz

Video Receiver: 5.8 GHz

Channels: 10

Range: Control Signal: Up to 2624.7' / 400 m line-of-sight under optimal conditions

Flight Modes: Smart, Angle, Home Modes

Operating System: Android

Display: Size: 5.5"

Interface: Capacitive multi-touch

OSD: Flight systems telemetry data can be viewed on-screen

Feedback: Tactile (vibrating) and audible feedback

9
Equipment for Exemption and Aircraft Performance - continued

Camera

Specifications

Model: CGO3-GB

Focus :Fixed

ResolutionVideo: 4K; 1080p at 120, 60, 50 or 48 fps

Resolution Photo: 12 MP

White Balance: Automatic

Audio: Audio recording via integrated microphone (turn on/off with app)

File Formats Photo: JPEG, DNG RAW

Recording Media: microSDHC/XC Class 10: 4 to 128 GB

Gimbal Control Angle Accuracy: ±0.02°

Video Transmitter Frequency: 5.8 GHz

Transmit Power: 500 mA (average) to 600 mA (peak) at 12 V (7.2 W maximum) Range: Up to 984.3' / 

sight

Power Requirements: 7 to 14 VDC (powers from flight battery)

Storage Temperature:-4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C

Operating Temperature: 32 to 122°F / 0 to 50°C

Dimensions: 4.5 x 5.3 x 2.9" / 115 x 135 x 74 mm

Weight: 6.5 oz / 185 g

Motors

Type 4 x 780 Kv brushless outrunner

Propellers

Diameter 10.2" / 260 mm

General

Configuration Quadcopter

Completion Level Ready-to-Fly

Dimensions

Motor-to-Motor Distance: 15.7" / 400 mm

Height: 9.5" / 242 mm

Weight 45.9 oz / 1.3 kg

10
Maintenance

To ensure safe operational control a maintenance schedule will be followed, a personal tailored maintenance 

manual has been created, and quality replacement part will be used. 

 Before and after every flight, the multi-rotor's operational condition will be inspected for damage 

and deterioration, paying attention to the props for damage, cracks or ware and the UASs fuselage for 

damage. If damage, cracks or unusual ware is detected the flight will be Suspended until proper repairs 

have been made using the manufactures approved replacement parts and/or approved repair facilities

 There is no intention in modifying aircraft beyond factory specifications. The sUAS will be in 

compliance with the FAA airworthiness regulations.

Safety

Propeller guards: Propeller guards such as the Blade manufactures guards will always be in use during

commercial flights.

Spotter: To ensure safety, the property owner, a contractor, or another party, will be on site to review and 

observe hazards before and during the flight.

Population of Intended Areas: To ensure safety, all non-essential personnel will be removed from the area. 

There will be no flight over densely populated areas like stadiums, schools, malls, casinos, and the like during 

operating hours.

Airports: According FAA rules and to ensure pilot(s) safety, there will no flight in or around airports unless 

explicit permission is granted according to current FAA regulations.

Weather: To ensure safety of spotter, property owners, pets, and wildlife, flights will be conducted in optimal 

weather conditions. Flights will not be conducted in winds above 20 mph.

Return-to-Home Feature: In the event the Blade Chroma loses signal or runs critically low on battery the

sUAS has a GPS controlled return to home feature. The "home" is set upon flight startup.

Flying in Confined Areas: There is a high probability of flying in confined spaces, around residential properties. 

The PIC and spotter will be in constant communication by two way radio, cell phone, or other approved FAA 

communications device when geographically separated during flight to ensure awareness of obstacles, hazards 

and sUAS location.

Line of Site: The sUAS will always be within the unaided line of site of the pilot and spotter. If the sUAS

cannot be seen the return home failsafe will be used to regain visual control.

Height: Fights will not exceed 400 ft AGL at any time.

11
Potential Hazards

The following are potential hazards that may, or may not be, present during flight operations. The PIC and 

spotter will make every attempt to be aware of:

 Other sUASs

 Homes, commercial buildings, out buildings, low and high voltage power lines

 Trees, shrubs, and hedges

 Automobiles and other mechanical vehicles

 Wildlife

 Rivers, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water

 Unaccounted for people

 Unaccounted for animals

Privacy Concerns

During flight operations privacy concerns are of high priority. With each commercial flight a signed agreement, 

will be in place. The property owner or authorized agent will sign a letter authorizing the video and 

photography service performed by The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC.

During each flight operation, the sUAS PIC will be extremely mindful of neighboring parcels to not film,

record, or take pictures of people and property without their written & signed consent. In regards to homes 

that are within residential neighborhoods, it is easy for the camera's field of view to record and take pictures 

of homes and properties that are not intended to be advertised for sale. As the sUAS increases altitude, so 

does the risk of inadvertently filming a home or property that hasn't given written permission to do so. 

Where privacy is a concern every attempt will be made to omit neighboring properties.

Homes and properties with acreage have a higher degree of uncertainty when trying to determine lot lines, 

boundaries, and proximity to neighboring properties than a suburban home. People looking to purchase a 

home with acreage, or a larger lot, have a higher degree of interest on knowing were the approximate lot 

lines are and an aerial perspective affords them such information and it’s the appraisers responsibility to value 

the property accordingly. The use of a sUAS would be the most efficient means to provide such information.

People looking to purchase and/or sell a home, or a property, with a view, or on waterfront, want to see the 

home or property from an aerial perspective. This is part of property characteristics and what helps

determine the overall value of the property. In addition, even though neighboring parcels might be shown in 

the picture and video, the neighboring properties will only be included if is necessary to the subject property's 

final video or still photography.

Pilot Qualifications

The current PIC, Mark Sessions, received flight training from the authorized distributor of the sUAS prior to 

purchase and has logged many accident free flight hours since purchase. In addition, the current, and any 

future PIC, will adhere to the following:

 The Pilot in command will be familiar with current FAA regulations regarding UAS commercial

usage.

 The Pilot in command will have sufficient eye sight (with or without corrective lenses and without 

the aid of binoculars) to see and operate the UAS at the distances necessary for the purpose of the 

flight.

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 Pilot will be in good health.

 New Pilots in training will shadow and act as the Pilot in Command Spotter for 1 month or for a

minimum of 10 hours prior to first flight.

 New Pilots will demonstrate a workable knowledge of the sUAS and proficiency in operational

control at all times.

 Pilots in training will watch online training videos to further enhance their skills.

 Each pilot will follow set flight plans and schedules and be aware of current FAA regulations.

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PRE FLIGHT CHECK LIST

Authorization to Record Video and Still Photography

On file with The Sessions Company Realty & Appraisal, LLC

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