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U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590

Kenneth Wasley, CMO

C/O Special Forces Parachute Team 501 (c)(19)

510 Davis Bridge Road, Parkton NC 28371

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, Special Forces Parachute Team Nonprofit 501(c)(19), pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules 

for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+, in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of :

14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b)

14 CFR 45.23(b)

91.7(a), 

91.121,

91.151(b), 

91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91

Name And Address Of The Petitioner

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

Kenneth Wasley, CMO

C/0 Special Forces Parachute Team 501 (c)(19)

510 Davis Bridge Road

Parkton, NC 28371
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PREFACE:

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 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). JWR proposes to use one UAS; 1) DJI 

PHANTOM 2 Vision +, for commercial photography, videography, inspections or surveying. This aircraft has four rotors 

and four motors in a quadcopter configuration (X4). It is only capable of vertical take-off and landing. This UAS weighs

less than 55 lbs. including payload. Can fly, under normal conditions at a speed of no more than 30 knots and has the 

capability to hover, and move in the vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. This UAS is equipped with GPS and atoreturn function to the predetermined safe landing area as well as allowing reading of magnetic interference that can 

cause loss off GPS signal. The UAS will operate only in line of sight and will operate only within a sterile closed-set area of 

a residential or commercial listing, open desolate areas near rural farms or a closed-set special event. Such operations 

will insure that the UAS will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public.” (Reform Act 

Section 333 (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 rule making required under Section 333 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). 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).

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 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).
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RELIEF OVERVIEW

Given the small size of the UAS 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 UAS 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 aerial inspections, surveying and photography and videography, 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

Special Forces Parachute Team (SFPT) 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 aerial inspections, surveying and photography and videography

operations conducted with conventional aircraft.

These limitations and conditions to which SFPT agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under an 

FAA issued exemption include:

1. The UAS 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 or less.

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 for which filming is planned.

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

6. Additional camera will be filming UAS in flight at applicable times
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7. The UAS will only operate within a confined sterile closed-set area with a set safety perimeter, the boundaries of 

which will be determined by the UAS PIC based on the site-specific activities and speed of the UAS required for the 

operation, and coordinated with the jurisdictional FAA FSDO and local government officials as applicable.

8. A briefing will be conducted in regards to the planned UAS 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.

9. The UAS Pilot and/or Aerial Coordinator will ensure this safety perimeter that only consenting personnel will be 

allowed within 100 feet of the UAS operation by not permitting anyone who had not been briefed or whom is not

involved in production to be in the closed-set area, and 500 feet away from people not directly involved in operations.

10. Observer and PIC will at all times be able to communicate by voice and/or two way radio communication system.

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

12. If applicable, all required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or city jurisdictions, 

including local law enforcements, fire, or other appropriate governmental agencies.

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

14. The UAS will have the capability to abort 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, 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.

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

operation, Special Forces Parachute Team 501 (c)(19) operation of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, UAS meets the conditions of 

FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H.
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Accordingly, SFPT requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as 

these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. SFPT

submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. JWR will use experienced 

personnel or technicians as needed to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using 

the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual). Furthermore, JWR will document and maintain all maintenance records for the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS.

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

command, is requested by SFPT to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) meet or exceed the described 

requirements of operations set by manufacturer, and who has demonstrated, that the PIC is able to safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

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

SFPT seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS do not 

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, JWR submits that he will 

ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the 

UASs are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight. 

JWR also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications 

telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude 

information, combined with JWR’S operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 

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

Additionally, JWR seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in 

VFR conditions. JWR submits that safety will not be affected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ during daylight 

hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a 

total duration of approximately 30 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to 

fly after that for at least 5 minutes. 

EXTENT AND REASONING WHY SFPT SEEKS RELIEF FROM THE LISTED SECTIONS ABOVE: 

1. Section 61.113(a) & b). 

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested to 

the extent necessary to allow a PIC meet all requirements as described in the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ owner’s manual to 

conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire. 
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This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state that a private pilot may, for 

compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only 

incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation 

or hire. 

As set forth more fully below, SFPT submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be 

allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated that the PIC is able to safely 

operate either the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in 

this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, 

vessels, vehicles and structures.

Further, SFPT submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 1 UAS, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of 

this Petition: (1) will be incidental to SFPT’s business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or 

hire. 

2. 91.7(a). 

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

determine that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is 

in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the JWR Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual). 

SFPT seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, SFPT will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are in 

airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the aircraft are in condition for 

safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations below.

3. 91.121. 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight operations of the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data 

link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires 

that any altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground 

level (AGL), JWR seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA altimeter may be set on the ground to 

zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. 

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the extent necessary 

to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level 

of safety will be maintained since the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS 

equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and 

provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS. 
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4. 91.151(b). 

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, is requested to the extent required 

to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 25 minutes to the first point of intended landing 

and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 5 minutes. SFPT seeks the requested relief because 

without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA

will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that JWR proposes to conduct 

pursuant to this Petition. 

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

operating documents, and JWR’S proposed operating limitations, ensure that JWR will safely operate the battery 

powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight 

rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 25 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, 

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

14 CFR 45.23(b)

Marking of the Aircraft;

Applicable codes of Federal Regulation require aircraft to be marked according to certain specifications. UAV Field 

Services UASs are, by definition, unmanned. They therefore do not have a cabin, cockpit or pilot station on which to 

mark certain words or phrases. Further, two inch lettering is difficult to place on such small aircraft. Regardless, UAV 

Field Services will mark its UAS in the largest possible lettering by placing the "N "number on its fuselage as required by 

14 CFR 45.29 (f) so that the pilot, technician, spotter and others working with the UAV will see the markings. The FAA has 

previously issued exemptions to this regulation through- Exemption No 10167 and 10700

5. 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b). 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to aircraft with an 

airworthiness certificate, JWR requests relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS do not require 

airworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS meet the conditions of FMRA 

Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly JWR will use trained technicians to perform 

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

prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the JWR aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual). Furthermore, JWR will document and maintain all maintenance records for the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS. 
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The Reasons for granting my request are entirely beneficial to the public and community as a whole. 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing SFPT too safely, efficiently, and economically 

perform aerial video and photography of construction sites, real estate, survey and inspect over certain areas of the 

United States. To assist other businesses in helping them grow from my services or rather, to fulfill their needs, 

whatever it may be. To be used at events where we perform parachute demonstrations under the guidelines of the FAA. 

We are license professional parachute demonstration that has over 30 years of experience working with the FAA. 

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 rule making required under Section 332 of 

the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UAS 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, id. 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).

 

Given the small size of the UAS 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 UAS 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.
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REASONS BENEFICIAL TO THE PUBLIC/COMMUNITY

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

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA are battery powered and serve as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the 

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

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

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

and on the ground. 

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion around airports caused by 

arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA do not require an airport to takeoff or land. 

Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would result in fewer aircraft 

that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight 

operations.

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

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the 

public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still 

photography flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS produce no 

air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal 

combustion engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial video and photography, while burning approximately 20-

30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial 

acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAs are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an 

internal combustion engine. 

By using the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air 

and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially 

reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI 

Phantom 2 Vision+ UA (weighing approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces, at their maximum gross weights with length of 16 

inches, widths of 16 inches, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and 

property on the ground, and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct similar operations 

(weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity 

of 180 gallons). 
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2. Performing Aerial Video and Photography, Surveys and Inspections, Operations with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS Will Benefit The Economy. 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are also an economical alternative to using 

manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will allow 

United States based companies, like SFPT, to remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. 

Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions 

phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in 

order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS is one such technology that not 

only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without 

the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft. 

By operating the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS, companies such as SFPT, can remain competitive and profitable, and 

therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the 

U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and 

allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United States and 

abroad. 

4. There Are No Privacy Issues. 

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, SFPT’s proposed 

operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ 

UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., the JWR Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly 

Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement as well as 

local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum 

altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. 

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How The Exemption Would Provide A 

Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By The Rule From Which JWR Seeks Exemption. 

1. Reasons Why The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA Meet The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012 (FMRA) Section 333. 

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

operation, JWR’S operation of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not 

require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. 
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In seeking this exemption, SFPT submits that the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to 

FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS; (b) the pilot 

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

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision UAS do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to 

national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capability. 

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

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS are set forth by the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ Specifications 

and Data Sheet.

ii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes Enable The UAS To Remain 

Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS may be operated in both manual and fully autonomous flight modes. A complete 

description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS User Manuals.

iii. The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ and DJI Inspire 1 UASs Are Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point Or 

Hover In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation.

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, 

after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume 

that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to

the takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UA are set forth in the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ User Manual, attached.

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

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ GCS and flight control software 

is provided in the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ User Manual. 

b. Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations / PIC

Private pilots are limited to non-commercial operations. UAV Field Services can achieve an equivalent level of safety 

as achieved by current Regulations because UAV Field Services UASs do not carry any pilots or passengers. Further, 

while helpful, a pilot license will not ensure remote control piloting skills, though UAV Field Services pilot vetting and 

training program will. Further, private pilot licensees will operate UAV Field Services UASs with the same skill. 

Further, the risk attendant to the operation of UAV Field Services UAS is far less than the risk levels inherent in the 

commercial activities outlined in CFR 61. Thus, allowing UAV Field Services to operate its UAS with a private pilot as 

the pilot in control will exceed current safety levels in relation to CFR 61.113(a)(b).
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c. Flights Of DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, SFPT proposes to commercially operate DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ UAS for the special purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating 

limitations:

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

operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2 

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

petition to amend this grant. 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the purpose of aerial video 

and photography. 

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

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the 

procedures specified in the operating documents unless a special request is made and approved by ATC. All 

altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL. 

5. The UAs must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be 

able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAAissued airman medical certificate. 

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

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

as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The SO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. 

Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before 

the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the 

SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating documents. 

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

and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other 

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

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

contained in the grant of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions 

and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the 

operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or 

revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated 

and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. The operator must also present updated and 

revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator 

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

then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office 

(AFS-80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating documents. 

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

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

operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for 

safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and 

alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records.

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

characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight. The PIC 

who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records. 

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or 

equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents. 

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

inspection, and life limit requirements. 

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

with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul 

component parts must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work 

accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service. 

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

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

discrepancies discovered between inspections. 
14 | Page

17. The PIC must meet or exceed all requirements as set forth by manufacturer in order to justifiably operate the 

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+, or hold an equivalent pilot license approved by the FAA. 

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the operator’s qualification criteria and 

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

under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner 

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

under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated 

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

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

from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. 

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

conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at night is required, a special request will be 

made at the FAA office closest to proposed area of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) 

are not authorized. 

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAApublished aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and 

the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of 

agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon request. 

21. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or 

when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a pre- determined location within the 

planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents. 

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

operating documents. 

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

is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% 

battery power remaining. 
15 | Page

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

(COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption. This COA will also require the 

operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 

hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements in 

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

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

accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 

part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable. 

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA must 

comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight 

agency requirements. 

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

Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the 

Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. 

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

times. 

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

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons (persons other than 

the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless: 

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or 

debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain 

under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and 

are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or; 

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such vessels, 

vehicles or structures has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of 

operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and; 

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

hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a). 
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32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission from the land 

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

representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries ofthe 

operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS80) 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

SPECIAL FORCES PARACHUTE TEAM NONPROFIT 501 (C)(19) AFFIRMS ALL INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE TO BE TRUE 

AND BINDING UPON FAA’S FINDINGS OF EXEMPTION REGARDING COMMERCIAL OPPERATIONS OF LISTED UAS, UNTIL 

FURTHER NOTICE OF LAWS OR REGULATIONS DECIDED BY THE GOVERNEMENT/FAA. THANKYOU FOR YOUR 

CONSIDERATION.

Kenneth Wasley, CMO

Special Forces Parachute Team

831.420.7187

Email: kwasley@sfparachuteteam.com

510 Davis Bridge Road, Parkton NC 28371