UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTON, DC 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF: 

DAVID F KING

Submitted on July 15, 2015 

 

 

DAVID F KING

282 FOXCROFT RD

PITTSBURGH PA 15220

(412)980-1941
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 Page 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS....................................... ..............................................3 

SUMMARY............................................................................................................................. 4 

INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................4 

LIST OF REGULATIONS FOR EXEMPTION......................................................................5 

PROCESSES, PROCEDURES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................5 

PUBLIC BENEIFT..........................................................................................................9 

PRIVACY CONCERNS.................................................................................................10 

SAFETY CONCERNS...................................................................................................10 

CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................15 

CHECKLISTS............................................................................................................16 

DJI INSPIRE 2 SPEC SHEET .........................................................................................17 
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level 

AOI Area of Interest 

ATC Air Traffic Control 

ATO Air Traffic Organization

AV Aerial Vehicle 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

COA Certificate of Authorization 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

GCS Ground Control Station 

GPS Global Positioning System 

LOL Loss of Link 

NAS National Airspace System 

NOTAM Notice to Airman 

PIC Pilot In Command 

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

SO Safety Observer 

SOP Standard Operating Procedures 

UA Unmanned Aircraft 

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System 

VFR Visual Flight Rules 

VLOS Visual Line of Site 

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing 

DJI UAV manufacturer

ESC Electronic speed control

FPV First Person View 

LI-PO Lithium Polymer battery

RCV Radio Controlled vehicle 
INTRODUCTION

My name is DAVID F KING, and I am a freelance multimedia photographer and videographer

with expertise and knowledge in all aspects of building programing and operating multiple types 

of UAS'S along with camera set up and operation. I also build and repair drones for customers. 

DAVID F KING provides clients with the highest quality digital content for use in their 

commercial, personal, and non-profit multimedia projects. DAVID F KING has 25 years of 

experience in Electronics, and 6 years of radio controlled helicopter experience. DAVID F KING

is recognized as an expert in this field and has repaired multiple drones for multiple businesses. 

The objective of DAVID F KING aerial video and photography operations is to provide high 

quality imaging for a variety of commercial, public, and residential uses, along with test repaired 

drones for clients in a safe testing location away from all obstacles and people at all times. 

DAVID F KING will also provide knowledge of UAS and promote safe UAS operations. 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Reform Act), 

and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, David King, a freelance multimedia photographer and videographer, 

hereby applies for an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) listed below to 

allow operation of our Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) commercially in airspace 

regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so long as such operations are 

conducted with and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as 

required by Section 333. 

The requested exemption would permit David King to pursue his commercial interests in 

providing services to clients using a small advanced sUAV in the following areas: Real Estate, 

Marketing, Land Management/Surveying, and Special Events. David King states that all sUAS 

flights will occur over private or controlled access property and will do so with the property 

owner's consent and knowledge and that only people who have consented or otherwise have 

agreed to be within the UAS’ radius during filming and photography applications.

David King has demonstrated the ability to safely and effectively fly the sUAS DJI Inspire 1

which will be used for all commercial and private purposes. David King complies with local 

ordinances and laws regarding the operation of sUAS, and adheres to all weather and 

environmental restrictions or limitations in reference to the operations of sUAS.

All flights will occur in ordinance with any state or local laws regarding privacy.

I, David King, request the exemption because I am committed to complying with all of the rules, 

guidelines, limitations, and future legislation set forth by the FAA. I agree to operate the sUAS 

in the manner that I have described, and for the purposes that I have described. Without the 

exemption request granted, I would be unable to safely and effectively run my business, and it is 

my intention to comply with the FAA and obtain an exemption of the following regulations.

The following contains a list of regulations from which I am seeking exemption, and a complete 

list of responsibilities I assume as operator; it also contains information regarding the aircraft, 

public benefit and safety features, and similar petitions requests granted
Regulations from which exemption is requested: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.109 

14 C.F.R. 91.119 

14 C.F.R. 91.121 

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a) 

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

14 C.F.R. 91.205(b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.215 

14 C.F.R. 91.401 - 91.417

PROCESSES, PROCEDURES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I, DAVID F KING WOULD,ASSUME THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES IF MY 

EXEMPTION IS APPROVED.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Inspire 1 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 not 

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 will 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 will 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. 

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 4 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 see attachment 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. 

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. 5 

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 predetermined 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 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. 6 
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. 

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.
PUBLIC BENEFIT

1. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The DJI Inspire 1

UASs. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Inspire 1 UASs, 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 Inspire 1 UASs 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 Inspire 1 UAs, 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 Inspire 1 UASs 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 Inspire 1 

UAs (weighing 6 pounds 7.5 ounces, at its maximum gross weights with lengths of 16 

inches and 17.7 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).

2. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations With The DJI Inspire 1 

UASs Will Benefit The Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Inspire 1 UASs are also an economical 

alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, 

operation of the DJI Inspire 1 UASs will allow United States based companies, like 

Designed AV Solutions, 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 Inspire 1 UASs 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 Inspire 1 UASs, companies such as Designed AV Solutions, 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 Inspire 1 UASs, 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. 
PRIVACY CONCERNS

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, 

DAVID F KING proposed operation of the DJI Inspire 1 UASs would not implicate any privacy 

issues. Specifically, the DJI Inspire 1 UASs will be operated only in compliance with operating 

documents such as the Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Inspire 1 

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. 

SAFETY CONCERNS

In seeking this exemption, DAVID F KING submits that the DJI Inspire 1 UASs can 

operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the 

characteristics of the DJI Inspire 1 UASs; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) 

the specific operating limitations. 

i. The Specifications Of The DJI Inspire 1 UASs Demonstrate Its Safe 

Characteristics.

The DJI Inspire 1 UASs 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. 

ii. Technical Specifications Of The DJI Inspire 1 UASs.

The DJI Inspire 1 Specifications and Data Sheet, attached hereto as 

Appendix A and B, set the technical specifications of the DJI Inspire 1 

UASs forth. 

iii. The DJI Inspire 1 UASs Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes 

Enable The UASs To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Inspire 1 UASs may be operated in both manual and fully 

autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and 

navigational modes of the DJI Inspire 1 UASs is provided at pages 12-16 

and 45-50 of the DJI Inspire 1 User Manuals, attached hereto as Exhibit C. 

iv. The 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 Inspire 1 UAs will remain 

stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI 

Inspire 1 UAs do not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs 

will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the 

home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the 

takeoff position and shutdown. 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the for the DJI Inspire 

1 at pages 13 through 15 of the DJI Inspire 1 User Manual, attached hereto 

as Exhibit C.

v. The DJI Inspire 1 GCS And It’s Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI 

Inspire 1 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 40 through 

47 of the DJI Inspire 1 User Manual. DJI Inspire 1 User Manual is

attached.
vi. Flight Operations Of DJI Inspire 1 UASs Are Limited To The Line Of 

Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Safety Observer. 

DAVID F KING will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current 

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

the DJI Inspire 1 UASs. Additionally, a safety observer will assist all pilots 

during flight time. 

vii. Flights Of DJI Inspire 1 UASs Will Be Conducted Pursuant To 

Specific Operating Limitations. 

In seeking this exemption, DAVID F KING proposes to commercially 

operate the DJI Inspire 1 UASs 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 Inspire 1 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 UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 

knots.

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

above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures 

specified in the operating documents unless a special request is 

made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be 

in feet AGL.

5. The UAs must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of 

the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human 

vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as 

specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate. 

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer 

(SO) is not permitted. 

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be 

used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC 

always maintains VLOS capability. The SO and PIC must be able

to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or 

texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be 

designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her 

designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that 

the SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating 

documents. 

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the 

PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground 

based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate the 

camera or other instruments. 
9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be 

accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the 

conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and 

the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions 

and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take 

precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must 

follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The 

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

operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present 

updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon request. 

The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it 

petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If 

the operator determines that any update or revision would affect 

the basis upon which the FAA granted the exemption, then the 

operator must petition for amendment to its grant of exemption. 

The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may be contacted if 

questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating 

documents.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it 

is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition 

that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited 

from operating until the necessary maintenance has been 

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

The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight 

inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly 

documented in the aircraft records.

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.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least 

a current third-class medical certificate.

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

meets the operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the 

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

the UAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive 

and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances 

from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification 

flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. 

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

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

operations may only be conducted during dedicated training 

sessions. During training, proficiency, and 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 FAA-published 

aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in 

accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. 

The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made 

available to the Administrator upon request.

21. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 

2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 

3 statute miles from the PIC.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must 

return to a 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. 

25. 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. 

26. 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. 

27. 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. 

28. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned 

aviation operations and activities at all times. 

29. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device 

or vehicle. 

30. 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).

31. 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.
 CONCLUSION

 DAVID F KING seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 of 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe 

operation of the DJI Inspire 1 UASs commercially, without an airworthiness certificate,

for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of 

the United States. DAVID F KING respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this 

Petition for an exemption and allow DAVID F KING to operate the DJI Inspire 1 UASs 

commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain 

areas of the United States.
CHECK LISTS

Pre-flight

 · Reviewed targeted area through Google Earth for any obstructions

 · Reviewed area for any FAA restricted fly zones or other areas of concern

 · Reviewed safety requirements with sponsor / owner (sign-off required back of form)

 · Posted “ Aerial Photography” in process sign at opening / curb

 · Visit each neighbor to announce that aerial photography will be taking place

 · Posted “ Launch/Landing” zone sign calling for 50’ parameter

 · Walked the hover area or path of flight to check for any areas on concern

Flight Set-up

 · Advise anyone within “ Launch/Landing” area of safety and 50’ requirement

 · Unpack and check DJI Phantom 3 for any visible signs of damage

 · Turn on Remote Controller and observe that both power and Wi-Fi are green

 · Ensure launch zone is clear and turn on DJI Phantom 3 battery

 · Toggle S1 & S2 switches five times to set GPS recalc & failsafe landing zone

 · Wait for solid GPS lights (Solid Green slow flashing)

· Spin DJI Phantom 3 360o both Horizontal and Vertically to ensure lock

 · Review Launch Site one last time before lift off

 · Engage motors and start straight horizontal lift to desired altitude

Flight

 · Monitor both GPS Lock (# satellites) / Battery Level every minute

 · Watch for any changes to the “Launch/Landing” area of safety and advise as necessary

 · Watch for any irregular craft behavior and land immediately if necessary

 · Return the craft to the landing area within 20% of battery life

Post-Flight

 · Announce that the craft is returning for landing

 · Visual check that the 50’ rule is o bserv ed / Otherwise ho v er until 50 ’ is o bserved

 · Slowly bring the DJI Phantom 3 in for a landing

 · Turn off Battery on Craft first, then the Remote Controller

 · Store all equipment in their cases before allowing observes to approach
DJI Inspire 1 spec sheet

Aircraft

Model T600

Weight (Battery Included)

2935 g

Hovering Accuracy (GPS mode)

Vertical: 0.5 m

Horizontal: 2.5 m

Max Angular Velocity

Pitch: 300°/s

Yaw: 150°/s

Max Tilt Angle

35°

Max Ascent Speed

5 m/s

Max Descent Speed

4 m/s

Max Speed

22 m/s (ATTI mode, no wind)

Max Flight Altitude

4500 m

Max Wind Speed Resistance

10 m/s

Max Flight Time

Approximately 18 minutes

Motor Model

DJI 3510

Propeller Model

DJI 1345
Indoor Hovering

Enabled by default

Operating Temperature Range

-10° to 40° C

Diagonal Distance

559 to 581 mm

Dimensions

438x451x301 mm

Gimbal

Model

ZENMUSE X3

Output Power (with camera)

Static: 9 W

In Motion: 11 W

Operating Current

Station: 750 mA

Motion: 900 mA

Angular Vibration Range

±0.03°

Mounting

Detachable

Controllable Range

Pitch: -90° to +30°

Pan: ±320°

Mechanical Range

Pitch: -125° to +45°

Pan: ±330°
Max Controllable Speed

Pitch: 120°/s

Pan: 180°/s

Camera

Name

X3

Model

FC350

Total Pixels

12.76M

Effective Pixels

12.4M

Image Max Size

4000x3000

ISO Range

100-3200 (video)

100-1600 (photo)

Electronic Shutter Speed

8s - 1/8000s

FOV (Field of View)

94°

CMOS

Sony EXMOR 1/2.3”

Lens

20mm (35mm format equivalent)f/2.8 focus at ∞

9 Elements in 9 groups

Anti-distortion 
Still Photography Modes

Single shoot

Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7EV Bias

Time-lapse

Video Recording Modes

UHD (4K): 4096x2160p24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30

FHD: 1920x1080p24/25/30/48/50/60

HD: 1280x720p24/25/30/48/50/60

Max Bitrate of Video Storage

60 Mbps

Supported File Formats

FAT32/exFAT

Photo: JPEG, DNG

Video: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)

Supported SD Card Types

Micro SD

Max capacity: 64 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required.

Operating Temperature Range

0° to 40° C

Remote 

Controller

Name

C1

Operating Frequency

922.7~927.7 MHz (Japan Only)

5.725~5.825 GHz

2.400~2.483 GHz

Transmitting Distance (outdoor and unobstructed)

2 km
EIRP

10dBm@900m, 13dBm@5.8G, 20dBm@2.4G

Video Output Port

USB, mini-HDMI

Power Supply

Built-in battery

Charging

DJI charger

Dual User Capability

Host-and-Slave connection

Mobile Device Holder

Tablet or Phone

Max Mobile Device Width

170mm

Output Power

9 W

Operating Temperature Range

-10° to 40° C

Storage Temperature Range

Less than 3 months: -20° to 45° C

More than 3 months: 22° to 28° C

Charging Temperature Range

0-40° C

Battery
6000 mAh LiPo 2S

Charger

Model

A14-100P1A

Voltage

26.3 V

Rated Power

100 W

Battery 

(Standard)

Name

Intelligent Flight Battery

Model

TB47

Capacity

4500 mAh

Voltage

22.2 V

Battery Type

LiPo 6S High voltage battery

Energy

99.9 Wh

Net Weight

570 g

Operating Temperature Range

-10° to 40° C

Storage Temperature Range
Less than 3 months: -20° to 45° C

More than 3 months: 22° C to 28° C

Charging Temperature Range

0° to 40° C

Max Charging Power

180 W

Battery 

(Optional)

Name

Intelligent Flight Battery

Model

TB48

Capacity

5700 mAh

Voltage

22.8 V

Battery Type

LiPo 6S

Energy

129.96 Wh

Net Weight

670 g

Operating Temperature Range

-10° to 40° C

Storage Temperature Range

Less than 3 months: -20 to 45° C

More than 3 months: 22° to 28° C
Charging Temperature Range

0° to 40° C

Max Charging Power

180 W

Vision 

Positioning

Velocity Range

Below 8 m/s (2 m above ground)

Altitude Range

5-500 cm

Operating Environment

Brightly lit (lux > 15) patterned surfaces

Operating Range

0-250 cm

DJI Pilot 

App

Mobile Device System Requirements

iOS 8.0 or later

Android 4.1.2 or later

Supported Mobile Devices

* Compatible with iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + 

Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 

+ Cellular, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular. This app is optimized 

for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus.

* Samsung S5, Note 3, Sony Xperia Z3, Google Nexus 7 II, Google Nexus 9, Mi 

3, Nubia Z7 mini

*Support for additional Android devices available as testing and development 

continues