CORRECTED COPY

The FAA is reissuing the August 11, 2015, grant of exemption of Exemption No. 12428. A

correction was made to add the DJI Inspire 1 and Freefly Alta to the Airworthiness 

Certification section and to Conditions and Limitations #1. Below is the amended Exemption 

No. 12428 that includes the aforementioned change. We made the correction in our records as 

of August 18, 2015.

August 11, 2015

Exemption No. 12428

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1945

Mr. Christopher S. Fanning

4th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc.

9620 Bradley Road,

Jacksonville, FL 32216

Dear Mr. Fanning:

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

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

including the date it ends.

By letter dated May 7, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of 4th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an 

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

conduct aerial photography for the motion picture and television industry for scripted closed 

set filming.

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

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.
2

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

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

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

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI S1000, DJI Inspire 1, and Freefly Alta. 

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 

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

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection and closed set motion picture and 

filming. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material 

respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus 

Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 

11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the 

enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described 

by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of 

significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA 

good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 4th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc. is granted an 
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exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 

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

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

aerial data collection and closed set motion picture and filming. This exemption is subject to 

the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, 4th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc. is hereafter referred to as 

the operator.

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

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI S1000, DJI 

Inspire, and Freefly Alta when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. 

Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to 

amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. 

This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times; 

electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.
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7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the 

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised 

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

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

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

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

the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s 

UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding 

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the 

inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is 

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the 

UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.
5

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

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

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, 

training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During 

training, proficiency, and experience-building flights, all persons not essential for 

flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA 

with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

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

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

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 
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intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

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

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

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

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

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

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

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

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons 

from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure 

that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of 

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

present an undue hazard.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

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

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.
7

28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

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

as documented in this grant of exemption.

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

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

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

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

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

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

under this grant of exemption;

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

the UAS;

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

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

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

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

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

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

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

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

essential to accomplish the operation.

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

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

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

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

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

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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07 May 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation FAA-2015-0139-0001

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 

from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b);14 CFR Part 21;14 CFR 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) & (b);91.405 (a); 91.407(a) (1); 91.409 (a) (2);91.417 (a) & (b).

Dear Sir or Madam: 

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

11, 4

th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc., developer and operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“sUASs”) equipped to 

conduct aerial photography for the motion picture and television industry for scripted closed set filming, hereby applies for

an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its sUASs, 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 333.1 

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of small, unmanned and 

relatively inexpensive 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 safe operations in the film and television industry presently 

using conventional aircraft. 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. 

The name and address of the applicant is: 

4

th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc.

Attention: Christopher S. Fanning

Phone: 904 724 1328

Email: chris@4webcast.com

Address: 9620 Bradley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216

1 The conditions proposed by the applicant are drawn from Order 8900.1 CHG 0, Volume 3, Chapter 8-Issue a Certificate of Waiver for Motion Picture 

and Television Filming.
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 

14 CFR Part 21 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 

14 CFR 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 CFR 91.151 (a) 

14 CFR 91.203 (a) & (b) 

14 CFR 91.405 (a) 

14 CFR 407 (a) (1) 

14 CFR 409 (a) (2) 

14 CFR 417 (a) & (b) 

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 national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the 

Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the following: 

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

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

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

Reform Act § 333 (a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in the national airspace 

system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. 

§333(c) (emphasis added)2. 

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

includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under §40101 of the Act, that includes sUASs, from the requirement 

that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness certificate. 

____________________________________________________________________________

2 Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only process applications for exemptions under section 333, but for 

the Administrator to craft conditions for the safe operation of the UAS, if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the 

statutory requirements for approval.
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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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). 

4

th Dimension’s sUASs are rotorcraft, weighting 55 or fewer lbs. including payload. They operate, under normal 

conditions at a speed of no more than 50 knots and have the capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal 

plane simultaneously. They will operate only in line of sight and will operate only within the sterile area described in the 

Aerial Camera Platforms OPERATIONS MANUAL, attached as Exhibit 1 (hereinafter “the Manual”)3. Such operations will 

insure that the sUAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.”4 

Given the small size of the sUASs involved and the restricted sterile environment within which they will operate, 

the applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent level of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the 

FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial operations of UASs to commence immediately. Also due to the size of the 

UASs and the restricted areas in which the relevant sUASs will operate, approval of the application presents no national 

security issue. 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, reduction in environmental impacts, including reduced emissions associated with 

allowing UASs for movie and television operations, the grant of the requested exemptions is in the public interest. 

Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay. 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

The applicant 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 movie and television filming operations conducted with conventional aircraft. 

3 Applicant submits this manual as a Confidential document under 14 CFR 11.35 (b) as the entire manual contains proprietary information that the 

applicant has not and will not share with others. The manual contains operating conditions and procedures that are not available to the public and are 

protected from release under the Freedom of Information Act 5 USC 552 et.seq. 

4 Reform Act Section 333 (b).
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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These limitations and conditions to which 4

th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc. agrees to be bound when 

conducting commercial operations under an FAA issued exemption include: 

1. The sUAS will weigh less than 55 lbs. 

2. Flights will be operated within line of sight of a pilot and/or observer. 

3. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. Flights will be 

 terminated at 25% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the 30 minute limit. 

4. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL or, not more than 200 feet above an 

elevated platform from which filming is planned. 

5. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of the sUAS Pilot, the Visual Observer, and the Camera 

Operator. 

6. sUAS pilot will be an FAA licensed airman with at least a private pilot’s certificate and third 

 class medical. The observer will hold at least a third class medical. 

7. sUAS Pilot will be Pilot in Command (PIC). If a pilot certificate holder other than the sUAS 

 Pilot, who possess the necessary PIC qualifications, is also present on set (i.e. the Aerial 

 Coordinator), that person can also be designated as PIC.

8. The UAS will only operate within a confined “Sterile Area” as defined in the Manual. Section H, I and J of the 

Manual requires the establishment of a “Security Perimeter” for the flight operations area. 

9. A briefing will be conducted in regard to the planned sUAS operations prior to each day’s 

 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. 

10. The operator will file a FAA Form 7711-1, or its equivalent, as modified in light of the 

 requested exemption, with the appropriate Flight Standards District Office. 

11. The operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the filming and ensure that 

only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight operation, and this radius may be reduced 

to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of safety determination, as required by Section C of the Manual. With 

the advanced permission of the relevant FSDO, operations at closer range can be approved. 

12. The operator will submit a written Plan of Activities to the FSDO three days before the proposed shoot as 

required in Section E and F of the Manual.

13. Pilot and observer will have been trained in operation of UAS generally and received up-to-date information on 

the particular UAS to be operated as required Sections H and J of the Manual.

14. Observer and pilot will at all times be able to communicate verbally.

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

16. 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. 

17. If the sUAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS will have capability to return to a predetermined location within the Security Perimeter and land. 

18. The sUAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (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 Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements of an equivalent level 

of safety under Part 11 and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 

of the Reform Act both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon 

consideration of the size, weight, speed, operational capability, and proximity to airports and populated areas of the 

particular UAS. In all cases, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the UAS operated without an airworthiness 

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

conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness certificate without the restrictions and 

conditions proposed. 

The sUAS to be operated hereunder is less than 55 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 the Manual. 

Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by both the operator, 

pursuant to the 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 now done with conventional filming. The FAA will have advance notice of 

all operations. These safety enhancements, which already apply to civil aircraft operated in connection with motion picture 

and television production, 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 UAS, due to its size, speed of 

operation, location of operation, lack of explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial 

external load. 

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

The regulation requires: 

When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on limited, 

restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator 

must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less 

than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," "restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or 

"provisional," as applicable. 

Even though the UAS 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 sUAV, 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 sUAV marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) 

where the pilot, observer and others working with the sUAV will see the identification of the UAS as “Experimental.” The 

FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation to Exemptions Nos. 10700, 8738, 10167 and 10167A. 
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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14 C.F.R. § 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 UAS will not carry a pilot 

or passengers, the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring the PIC 

operating the aircraft to have a private pilot’s license rather than a commercial pilot’s license to operate this small UAS. 

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

board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as set forth 

in the Manual. The level of safety provided by the requirements included in the Manual exceeds that provided by a single 

individual holding a commercial pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. 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 private pilot as the PIC exceeds the present level of safety 

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

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 Manual for 

maintenance and use of safety check lists prior to each flight, as set forth in Sections I and J, an equivalent level of safety 

will be provided. 

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

Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: 

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

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this chapter, unless there 

is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual 

material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof.

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. 
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight action 

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

FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. An equivalent 

level of safety will be provided as set forth in Sections H and K of the Manual. The PIC will take all actions including 

reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft performance data before initiation 

of flight. 

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. 

sUASs and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design 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 

approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight 

instruction in experimental aircraft. 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 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. As this exemption is for a sUAS that is a helicopter and the exemption 

requests authority to operate at altitudes up to 400 AGL, or not more than 200 above an elevated platform from which 

filming is planned, an exemption may be needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, except for the limited 

conditions stated in the Manual, the UAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL. It will however be operated in a 

restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposed to operations without their preobtained consent.

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

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

advance notice to the property owner and participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be aware of the 

planned flight operations as set forth in Section H of the Manual. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft 

weighting far more than the maximum 55lbs. proposed herein and the lack of flammable fuel, any risk associated with these 

operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 AGL in the movie 

industry. In addition, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will ensure separation between these small-UAS operations 

and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. 
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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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 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions 

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless 

(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, 

assuming normal cruising speed – (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that 

for at least 45 minutes.” 

The battery powering the sUAS provides approximately 40 minutes of powered flight. To meet the 30 minute 

reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, sUAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the 

limitations on the UAS’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. 

Applicant 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 small UAS, in a tightly 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 small UAS. Additionally, limiting sUAS flights to 10 

minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will be granted. 

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 30 minutes or 25% of 

battery power 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 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

The regulation provides in pertinent part: 

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

following: 

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate. . . . 
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

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(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. 

The UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no 

ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the sUAS. 

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

14 C.F.R. §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 applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the flight and operating handbook as 

referenced in the Manual (See Section 8). An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these small UASs 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 

Manual, the operator will ensure that the UAS 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 (55lbs or less) in motion picture and television operations. 

Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUASs in the film industry will enhance safety by 

reducing risk. Conventional film operations, using jet or piston power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes just feet 

from the subject being filmed and in extreme proximity to people and structures; and present the risks associated with 

vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 4,000lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel (140 gallons for jet 
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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0

helicopters shown below). Such aircraft must fly to and from the film location. In contrast, a sUAS weighing fewer than 55 

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 is carried to the film set and not flown. 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 small UASs, weighting less than 55 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 sterile environment and, as a result, are far safer than conventional operations 

conducted with turbine helicopters operating in close proximity to the ground and people. 

Privacy 

All flights will occur over private or controlled access property with the property owner’s prior consent and 

knowledge. Filming will be of people who have also consented to being filmed or otherwise have agreed to be in the area 

where filming will take place. 

Set forth below are pictures of aerial filming conducted in both day and night environment, as flown today in highly 

populated and/or urban areas, with turbine powered helicopters. The grant of this exemption request will provide improved 

safety in both day and night operations.
9620 Bradley Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 

Phone: 904---724---1328 

Fax: 904---724---1459

http://www.4webcast.com

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Night operations will also be conducted by sUASs and as shown in the photographs below, such operations are fully 

lighted so that visibility is as though filming was conducted during daylight hours.

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012--size, weight, speed, operating 

capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation within visual line of sight and national security –

provide more than adequate justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing commercial operation of 

applicant’s UAS in the motion picture and television industry pursuant to the Manual appended hereto. 

Sincerely, 

Christopher S. Fanning

4

th Dimension Sight & Sound, Inc.