April!13,!2015

U.S.!Department!of!Transportation

Docket!Management!System

1200!New!Jersey!Ave.,!SE

Washington,!DC!20590

RE:!Exemption!Request!Pursuant!to!Section!333!of!the!FAA!Modernization!and!Reform!Act of!2012

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,!Site!Flight,!Inc.,!operator!of!Small!Unmanned!Aircraft Systems!("sUAS"),!hereby!applies!for!an!

exemption!from!Federal!Aviation!Regulations!identified!below,!to!allow!commercial!operations!of!sUAS.!

The!proposed!operations!include!the!following:

• Aerial!Surveying

• Agriculture

• Aerial!photography!and!videography

• Wildlife!and!forestry!monitoring

• Construction!site!inspection!and!monitoring

• Utility and!power!generation!systems!inspections!and!patrolling

• Flare!stack!inspection

• Public!Entity!Support!Operations

• Bridge!inspection

• Pipeline!inspection!and!patrolling

• Education!and!Research

As!described!more!fully!below,!the!requested!exemption!would!permit!the!operation!of sUAS!under

controlled!conditions!in airspace!that!is limited, predetermined,!and controlled!as!to!access. Approval of

this!exemption!will!create!new!benefits!to!the!industries!listed!above!as!technical!and!inherently

dangerous!operations!can!be!performed!in!a!safer and more controlled!manner!by!sUAS!and!their

operators.!Additionally,!sUAS!will!provide!economic!benefit!to!these!industries!by!improving!efficiency!and

quality,!and!virtually!eliminating!human!risk.

The!name!and!address!of!the!petitioner is:

Site!Flight,!Inc.

Attn:!Ben!Burkett!&!Matt!Pedonti

1515!Pine!Bluff!Ave.

Orlando,!FL!!32806

Ph:!(407)!497^1917

Email: bburkett@mysiteflight.com or

matt@mysiteflight.com
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Regulations!from!which!the!exemption!is!requested:

14!CFR!Part!21

14!CFR!Part!27!

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)

The!following!sUAS’s!are!submitted!for!exemption!from!the!regulations!above!for!use!in!safe!operations!listed!

above!for!the!reasons!expressed!more!fully!below:

DJI!Phantom!2

DJI!Inspire!1

DJI!S900

DJI!S1000

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).

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.

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.
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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).

Site!Flight’s sUASs!are!rotorcraft and!fixed!wing!aircraft,!weighting!55 lbs. or!less including!payload.!They

operate,!under!normal!conditions!at!a!speed!of!no!more!than!100!MPH.!They will!operate!only!in!line!of!sight!

and!will!operate!only!within!a!sterile!area.!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!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,!and reduced!emissions,!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!operations conducted!with!

conventional!aircraft. These!limitations!and!conditions!to!which!Site!Flight 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. Flights!will!be terminated!at!25%!battery!power to!ensure!the!safe!return!of!the!aircraft!to!the!launch!

point.

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,!with!exception!of!telecommunication!towers!or!high!power!

lines,!when!altitude!shall!be!limited!to!100!feet!above!said!tower!or!line.

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

Operator.

6. sUAS!pilot!will!be!an!FAA!licensed!airman!with!at!least!a!recreation!or!sport pilot's!certificate.

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!(i.e.!the!Visual Observer),!that!person!can!also!be!

designated!as!the!PIC.

8. The!UAS!will!only!operate!within!a!confined!"Sterile!Area"!of!the!flight!operations!area.

9. A!briefing!will!be!conducted!in!regard!to the!planned!sUAS!operations!prior!to!each day's!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!obtain!the!consent!of!all!persons!involved!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.

11. 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.

12. Observer and!pilot!will!at!all!times!be able!to!communicate!by!voice.
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13. Written!and/or!oral!permission!from!the!relevant!property!holders!will!be!obtained.

14. 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.

15. If!the!sUAS!loses!communications!or!loses!its!GPS!signal,!the!UAS!will!have capability!to!return!to!a!

pre^determined!location!within!the!Security!Perimeter!and!land.

16. The!sUAS!will!have!the!capability!to!abort!a!flight!in!case!of!unpredicted!obstacles!or

emergencies.

14'C.F.R.'Part'21,'Subpart'H:'Airworthiness'Certificates'14'C.F.R.'§91.203'(a)'(1) Subpart'H,!

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 the!operator,!pursuant!to!the!Manual's!requirements,!and!under!the!requirements!and!

in compliance!with!local!and!public!regulation. 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!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!

UAS!as!"Experimental."!The!FAA!has!issued!the following!exemptions!to!this!regulation!in Exemptions!Nos.!

10700,!8738,!10167!and 10167A.
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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!recreational!or!sport!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.!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!recreational!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,!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.

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.!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

will!be 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!
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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!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.!An!additional!

exemption!is!also!requested!for!permission!to!operate!at!100!feet!above!a!transmission!tower,!

communication!tower,!or!bridge for!the!purpose!of!inspection.!This!will!allow!for!safe!inspection!of!the!latter!

without!potential!conflict!with!other!aircraft.!As!set!forth!herein,!except!for!the!limited!conditions stated!

previously 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!

pre^obtained!consent.!The!equivalent!level!of safety!will!be!achieved!given!the!size,!weight,!and!speed!of!the!

UAS!as!well!as!the location!where!it!is!operated.!No!flight!will!be!taken!without!the!required!permission!of

the!property!owner!or!local!officials.!Because!of!the!advance!notice!to!the!property owner!and!participants!in!

the!aerial!activity,!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!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!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.

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."

Depending!on!the!sUAS,!the!battery!provides!approximately!15^60 minutes!of!powered!flight.!To

meet!the!30^minute!reserve!requirement!in!14!CFR!§91.151,!sUAS!flights!would!be extremely!limited.!

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!extremely!short!flights 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 25%!of!battery!

power.!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.
7

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.!.!.!.

(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!the 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.!The!operator!pursuant!to!the flight!manual!and!operating!handbook!will!

accomplish!maintenance.!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).

Approval!of!exemptions!allowing!commercial!operations!of!sUASs,!will!enhance!safety by!reducing!risk.!

Conventional!aircraft!operating at!low!altitudes!near subjects!being!filmed!and!in!close proximity to!

structures!present!major risks!associated with!the!size!of!the!vehicle!carrying jet!A!or!other!fuels.!Such!

aircraft must!fly!to!and!from!the!operational!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!operation!site 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.!
8

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 or!fixed!wing!

aircraft.

Conclusion

If!this!exemption!is!granted,!Site!Flight,!Inc. will!conduct!all!flights over!private!or!controlled!access

property!with!the!property!owner's prior!consent!and!knowledge.!Filming!will!be!of!people and!property

who!have!also!consented!to being!filmed!or otherwise!have!agreed!to!be!in!the!area!where!filming!will!take!

place. The!grant!of!this!exemption!request!will!provide!improved!safety!for!operations!as!stated!above,!and!

begin!to!eliminate!dangerous!jobs!and!situations!that!may!otherwise!not!be!avoidable.!

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. Site!Flight,!Inc. is!committed!to!safe!operation!and!due!

to!the!foregoing!reasons!should!be!permitted!to!conduct!small!UAS!operations!in!accordance!with!its!

manuals!and!all!other!operating!parameters!deemed!necessary!and!appropriate!by!the!FAA.

Sincerely,

Ben!Burkett Matt!Pedonti

Site!Flight,!Inc. Site!Flight,!Inc.

Enclosure: Site!Flight!Safety!Guidelines

Site!Flight!Standard!Flight!Log

DJI!Phantom!2!Operating!Manual

DJI!Inspire!1!Operating!Manual

DJI!S900!Operating!Manual

DJI!S1000!Operating!Manual
s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1

Site Flight Safety Guidelines

I. Flight Guidelines and Airspace

A. Currency Requirements

Pilots must maintain current flight logs either physically or digitally. Logging time is 

recommended, but not required. Pilots must log a minimum of 4 flights of five minutes or longer 

per month. Flights must utilize the class of sUAS you intent to fly and may not be done on a 

simulator.

B. Checklists

Pilots must always have their flight safety checklists when flying. Checklist includes preflight, in 

flight, and postflight information.

C. Altitude

Flying above 400 feet AGL is prohibited. It is recommended to stay at or below 200 feet AGL 

for optimal line of site.

D. Airports

No flights may take place within 3 miles of an airport without prearranged consent and 

communication with the airport operator. In no case shall a pilot fly in proximity to a runway 

(over, around, or near the ends). If flying near an airport is required, prior written permissions 

with specific time, location, and altitude must be given. A transceiver to monitor the air traffic 

frequencies of that airport is required. An airport representative supervising is ideal. When flying 

in near proximity to airport, you must have in your possession a sectional chart outlining the 

information pertaining to that airport.

E. Flight Methods

Pilot is to always have direct visual line of site with the sUAS unless using First Person View 

(FPV). The Pilot may use a flight monitor (FPV) for reference, only when a trained visual 

observer (TVO) maintains direct line of site with the sUAS. The TVO must be fully aware of the 

flight plan and surroundings without distraction. Pilot and TVO are to be in direct voice 

communication throughout entire flight.

F. Flying while Intoxicated

Participation in flight operations in any capacity under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly 

prohibited. 

G. Flying Over People

(Closed Production Set)

People under or near operation, must be fully aware in advance and may be required to sign an 

individual release of liability with the understanding that their activities and involvement may 

result in injury or even death. *Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

(Public Event)

Flying over or near people or crowds is to be avoided whenever possible and only permitted in 

the following circumstances:

1. Client understands and approves of all activities.

2. You have current liability insurance for personal and property damage listing the client as 

additionally insured.

3. All participants are aware of the activities and have signed a liability release form.

4. You are operating at your own discretion and accept all responsibilities that pertain to your 

activities

*Extreme caution must be taken at all times.

H. Flying Over Roadways

Avoid flying over roadways when possible, using closed roads when possible. When necessary 

to fly over a roadway, avoid actions interfering with normal activity (stopping traffic, chasing 

vehicles, landing on a roadway, or anything that would be considered distracting to drivers). 
s !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2

Hovering over a roadway is prohibited. Operations over roads should be conducted as fast and 

effective as possible while still remaining safe.

I. FAA NOTAM’s and TFR’s

It is required that all pilots must be aware of any FAA issued NOTAM’s and/or TFRs in effect 

where flying is taking place. It is also required that the pilot abide by the FAA issued 

NOTAM/TFRs at all times.

J. Takeoff and Landing Zones

Every flight must have a designated safe zone where takeoff and landings may be conducted. 

This is defined by a space no smaller than (20) feet by (20) feet and clear of overhead and 

lateral obstructions. The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command is responsible for checking 

the location to determine if there are any potential radio frequencies or electrical transmissions 

that could interfere with or affect the safe operation of the aircraft. The aircraft must be checked 

for proper balance before each flight or after any alterations. The area should be free of people, 

vehicles, debris, etc . Never, under any circumstance, throw anything around the aircraft, 

whether running or not. Loose clothing, trash, or anything that may hinder the operation of the 

aircraft, shall be cleared. If there are people in the area of takeoff they are to be made aware, 

and asked to remain clear of the 20’ x 20’ area.

K. Pilot In Command

The Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command is at all times the final authority over the 

aircraft and shall be in command over all flight operations and/or related activities. The 

Pilot/Remote Control Operator in Command shall have the final authority to abort any flight 

operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals shall be specified ahead of time. In the event of 

a power loss, signal loss, or mechanical failure, the pilot must make every attempt to keep the 

safety of people and property as the highest priority. The aircraft may be crashed, or destroyed 

in the attempt to keep the safety of people and property. The pilot has the final authority and is 

responsible for the flight of the aircraft.

II. EQUIPMENT

A. Aircraft Size

Your aircraft must be of a size that is visible during flight. Orientation must be decipherable at 

whatever distance/altitude you fly to.

B. Use of GPS

All equipment must be equipped with GPS. GPS coordinates must be attained and verified 

before takeoff and used as the fail-safe return to home location in the event of signal loss or 

other issue. GPS systems are supplemental for flight accuracy and precise aircraft positioning. 

GPS is never to be used as a substitute for visibility, flight conditions, or pilot proficiency.

C. FAIL–SAFE Requirements

All aircraft systems must be programmed for fail-safe. Fail-safe is defined as the flight computer 

taking over in the event of a signal loss from the pilot or preset function from transmitter. 

E. Flight Time

All flights must be timed according to the capacity of the power system and anticipated usage. 

This ensures landing with safe level battery reserves of at least (1:00) minute. Before takeoff, 

batteries must be verified as fully charged.

F. Voltage Monitoring

You must be able to read the voltage of your aircraft either visually or audibly at all times. This 

can be through the use of audible/visual voltage monitors, on screen display, or both.

G. Autonomous Flight

Autonomous flight may not be used as the primary form of flight control without a certified pilot 

override on standby at all times. In the event autonomous flight is used, the pilot in command is 

required to have manual override capability at all times.

H. Professional Use
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No aircraft may be used professionally unless previously tested and proven to be in an airworthy 

state and functioning properly.

I. Indoor Flight

If the aircraft is to be used indoors, extreme caution shall be taken. Indoor conditions (e.g., 

increased heat resulting in reduced air density) could adversely affect flying characteristics. 

Additionally, interior sets, walls, ceiling beams, lighting equipment, HVAC equipment etc., can 

be a hazard. GPS is not to be used indoors.

J. Damage and Incident Reporting

In the event of damage caused to the aircraft, camera or other equipment for any reason, it is 

required that an incident report be filled out, explaining the details of the occurrence and 

recommended corrections to be made.

III. WEATHER

A. Precipitation

Fly at your own risk in precipitation. Under no circumstance may you fly in any precipitation if 

you are flying over people or property such as buildings, homes, cars, or other things that may 

become damaged in the result of an equipment failure. If you have a flight platform that has 

been tested to perform in precipitation you may fly at your discretion.

B. Wind

Good judgment should be used when determining when to fly with wind. It is suggested that you 

do not fly in wind greater than 15 kts with or gusts over 20 kts.
Location

Date TAKEOFF.CHECKLIST

Aircraft*# Install*Camera*–*All*Params

Flight*battery*# Antennas*vertical

PIC Motor*spins*free

AVO Prop*is*tight

Trained*Visual*Observer Verify*Home*point;*start*point

Payload Arm*UAS

PREFLIGHT Verify*Flight*controls

Prior*Maint.*Complete Verify*Stabilizer

Wind*Direction Verify*Throttle

Video*Transmitter IN.FLIGHT.CHECKLIST

Flight*battery*V/cell Attain*Altitude

Connect*Flight*Battery Verify*Controls

Green*Light Engage*Autopilot

Connect*Datalink Verify*WP1

Verify*Compass Monitor*V*P*25%*min

Radio*Link*% Flight*Speed*avg

Verify*OSD Amps*avg

Verify*Satelite*Connection Alt.*avg

MISSION.PLANNER LANDING.CHECKLIST

Set*home*point Flight*Battery*V

Create*Grid LZ*clear

Altitude Land

Angle POSTFLIGHT.CHECKLIST

Flying*Speed Disarm

Overshoot Camera*Off

Start*From Motor*and*speed*control*temps

Overlap Flight*Duration

Sidelap Disconnect*Flight*Battery

Area Video*Transmitter*Off

Distance Flight*battery*V/cell

Dist*between*images Verify*Camera*Operation

Ground*Resolution .tlog*file*name

Pictures Total*Time*on*Airframe

No.*of*Strips

Dist*between*lines

Flight*Time*(est):*Hours

Photo*every*(est):*sec

Acccept*Mission

Save*WPs/.txt*WP*file

Write*WPs Notes:

Maintenance.Required:

Weather:

.STANDARD.FLIGHT.LOG