July 8, 2015

Exemption No. 11989

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1499

Mr. Aaron Hlavaty

Drone 1 Aerial LLC

280075 Hlavaty Drive

Marlow, OK 73055

Dear Mr. Hlavaty:

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

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

including the date it ends.

By letter dated May 1, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Drone 1 Aerial LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. The 

petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

photography, videography, surveying, monitoring, and inspections.

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

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

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

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

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

received five comments in support of the petition made to the docket.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Inspire 1.

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

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

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 
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consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the 

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

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

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

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

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection1. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

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

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

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

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

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

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

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

delegated to me by the Administrator, Drone 1 Aerial LLC is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 

91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to 

the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. 

This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
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Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Drone 1 Aerial LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

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

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI 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 must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

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

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

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

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

U.S. driver’s license.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

required of the VO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 
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Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

updates or revisions to the operating documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in a condition for safe operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

aircraft components.

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

safety bulletins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 
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operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

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

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

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

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

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

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

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.
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29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

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

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

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

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

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

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

under this grant of exemption;

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

the UAS;

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

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

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

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

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

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

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

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

essential to accomplish the operation.

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

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

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

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

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

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
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This exemption terminates on July 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
May 1, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave.,

SE Washington, DC 20590

RE: Petition of Drone 1 Aerial LLC for Exemption Pursuant to Section 333 of the

FAA Reform Act

Petitioner’s Name and Address:

Drone 1 Aerial LLC

Owner: Aaron Hlavaty

280075 Hlavaty Dr.

Marlow, OK 73055

580-704-7223

drone1aerial@hotmail.com

To whom it may concern:

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

and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Drone 1 Aerial LLC, operator of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems 

(“sUASs”) equipped to conduct aerial photography and videography, hereby applies for an

exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation

of its sUASs, so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined

herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333.1

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

unmanned and relatively inexpensive sUAS under controlled conditions in airspace that is 

1) limited 2) predetermined and 3) controlled. The proposed exemption, if granted, would allow

Drone 1 Aerial LLC to conduct commercial operations of sUASs meeting or exceeding all of the 

operational and safety requirements Congress has set forth in Section 333. 

Drone 1 Aerial LLC is a media/technology company owned and operated by Aaron Hlavaty. The

purpose of Drone 1 Aerial LLC is to develop commerce in Central and Southwest Oklahoma. Mr. 

Hlavaty has over 35 years in Remote Controlled (“RC”) aircraft experience in both fixed wing 

and rotary aircraft. This experience includes development, building, testing and flying a variety 

of RC aircraft.
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Drone 1 Aerial LLC plans to use the capabilities of sUASs to offer a multitude of services, 

including:

- Aerial surveying of local water supply to the community

- Event Photography/Videography

- Agriculture and Livestock monitoring

- Real Estate Photography and presentation

- Aerial filmmaking and photography

- Construction site inspections and monitoring

Statutory Authority Section 333, titled “Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems”, 

provides a mechanism for seeking expedited FAA authorization of safe civil Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems (UAS) operations in the National Airspace System (“NAS”). Section 333(a) states that 

the FAA “shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 

national airspace system before completion of the (comprehensive) plan and rulemaking 

required by section 332(b)(1) of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act.” In 

Section 332(b)(1), Congress made it clear that Section 333 provides a mechanism for “expedited

operation authorization” if several factors are met. Petitioner meets all requirements to permit 

FAA approval of commercial UAS operations.

The name and address of the applicant are:

Name: Drone 1 Aerial LLC

Owner: Aaron Hlavaty

Address: 280075 Hlavaty Dr.

Marlow, OK 73055

Phone: 580-704-7223

Email: drone1aerial@hotmail.com

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 C.F.R. Part 21

14 C.F.R. 45.23 (b)

14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) and (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. 91.121Page 3

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)
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sUASs are oftentimes seen as superior to helicopters due to the lesser cost of equipment, the 

reduction of personnel needed to operate equipment, reduced noise levels and zero emissions

into the environment. In addition to providing cost savings and having little to no impact on the 

environment, sUASs provide enhanced safety. These factors are beneficial for, and in the best 

interest of, the public. Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the 

requested exemption without delay.

Petitioner is requesting an exemption to enable Drone 1 Aerial LLC to operate a DJI Inspire 1

sUAS that is upgraded to latest version firmware, equipped with a 3 axis Zenmuse camera 

gimbal, which uses a High-Def video camera that can capture up to 4K (4096x2160p) video and 

12M pixel photos. This sUAS has a built-in capability to limit 1) the height it flies above the 

ground and 2) the radius of the distance it flies from the operator. The DJI Inspire 1 also has the 

failsafe function of the autopilot system, which means, when the communication between the 

Main Controller and the transmitter is disconnected, the outputs of all command sticks from 

controller will go to the center position. If the GPS signal is good enough, the system will 

automatically trigger Return to Home and will land safely. Please refer to Attachments 1-3, the 

DJI Inspire 1 Instruction Manual, for the performance limitations and flight operations.

Aircraft weight is 2935 grams or 6.47 pounds with battery, which is the total gross weight.

A pre-flight inspection will be performed by the PIC in accordance with the factory instruction 

manual, as well as redundant checks to include the Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) to make 

sure that the compass, gyro and acceleration values are within specs, positive GPS locks are 

secure, battery health in each individual LiPo cells are balanced, and radio signals are locked in.

The sUAS will be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual and 

only manufacturer's authorized replacement parts will be used.

FCC Information

The DJI Inspire 1 transmitter used for controlling the sUAS complies with part 15 of the FCC 

rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause 

harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including 

interference that may cause undesired operation.

The DJI Inspire1 radio transmitter used for controlling the sUAS is wireless technology which 

has been tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio 

transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency range.

Antenna Separation Distance

When operating the DJI Inspire 1 transmitter, the PIC will maintain a separation distance of at 

least 5 cm between his body (excluding fingers, hands, wrists, ankles and feet) and the antenna 

to meet RF exposure safety requirements as determined by FCC regulations.
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Pilot in Command and Observer Qualifications and Duties

The PIC will maintain at least a Light Sport Pilot Certificate and a current State issued drivers 

license, plus at least 2 hours flying time and 3 takeoffs and landings within 30 days in the type 

of UAS utilized in operations. 

The PIC will have at least 100 hours total time and at least 30 hours flying Radio Controlled 

Model Aircraft, of which, 10 hours will be flying sUASs.

The PIC is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Specific duties include 

all preflight preparation and inspection, in flight operation, post flight requirements, and all 

procedures including but not limited to: 

 Safe in flight operations 

 Risk evaluation 

 Current weather conditions for safe flight

The Observer must have the visual acuity to observe the sUAS and be able to communicate 

clearly with the PIC. The Observers duties are:

 Warning the PIC of any impending obstacles in the flight path of the sUAS.

 Warning the PIC of any deviations in the planned flight path of the sUAS.

 Warning the PIC should any unauthorized personnel appear in the area of the planned 

flight.

The Observer will have the authority to order the PIC to terminate the flight should he feel the 

flight cannot be conducted safely.

General Operating Standards

• Drone 1 Aerial LLC will only operate its sUAS in line of sight of a pilot and/or observer and 

will operate at sites that are a 'sufficient distance' from populated areas. Such operations 

will insure that the sUAS will "not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system 

or the public."

• Before an operation of a sUAS within 5NM of an airport with a control tower, the control 

tower will be called to gain permission to operate the sUAS. The PIC will give the position, 

altitude and the times the sUAV will be operated. The sUAS will not be operated at an 

altitude of over 200 feet AGL. Weather minimums will be 3 miles visibility and a 1000 foot 

ceiling.

 Before an operation of a sUAS within 5NM of a non-tower controlled, airport operators 

will be notified and the PIC will give the right of way to avoid flying in the proximity of fullscale aircraft. At no time will the sUAS be operated within the final approach course and 

the takeoff course of any runway. The sUAV will not be operated at an altitude of over 

200 feet AGL. Weather minimums will be 3 miles visibility and a 1000 foot ceiling.
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• Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 18 minutes.

• Flights will be terminated at 30% battery power reserve should that occur prior to the

18minute limit. 

• The sUAV will be programmed so that it will not be operated at an altitude of no more

than 200 feet AGL, and not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which 

filming is planned.

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

• The sUAV operated by the petitioner weighs less than 55 pounds, including the payload 

(i.e. camera, lens, and gimbals).

• The sUAS will operate at speeds of no more than 25 knots, can hover, and can

simultaneously move vertically and horizontally.

• Given the small size of the sUAV and the restricted sterile environment within which they 

will operate, our sUAV operations adhere to the Reform Act's safety requirements.

The sUAS, powered by batteries, is smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than larger aircraft

running on combustible fuel. The sUAS operates at lower altitudes with no people on board 

and will thereby reduce current risk levels, enhance safety and diminish the likelihood of death 

or serious bodily injury. With a small payload and maximum flight time of only 20 minutes, this 

offers little or no risk to national security.

Low level oblique photos and video from several angles are far more effective than ground

based imagery for displaying the characteristics of large, complex properties with several

buildings and large trees. The benefits of reduced cost and improved quality of presentation 

from the sUAS over manned aircraft will be valuable to and benefit many buyers and sellers of 

real property, farmers and ranchers, and local city officials to monitor our local water supply.

Additionally, we request that we be allowed to use our system to benefit first responders

nearby who might require assistance, including fire fighters, police, sheriff, etc., all while 

remaining subject to all limitations cited below:

(a) No flight will be made with a Gross weight exceeding 55 pounds;

(b) All operations must occur in FAA Class G airspace at no more than 200 ft AGL, at an airspeed 

of no more than 25 knots and no further than 1600 ft, or 0.263 NM from the PIC;

(c) All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO and PIC must be able to 

communicate by voice at all times during a flight operation;
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(d) Operations will be restricted to flights over private property with the permission of the 

property owner;

(e) All required permits will be obtained from state and local government prior to operation;

(f) Drone 1 Aerial LLC will not be operated over densely populated areas;

(g) Drone 1 Aerial LLC will not be operating over any open-air assembly of people;

(h) Drone 1 Aerial LLC will not be operating over heavily trafficked roads;

(i) Drone 1 Aerial LLC will not be operating at night.

EXEMPTION REQUESTS AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Drone 1 Aerial LLC requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any

additional regulations that may technically apply to the operation of the sUAV System:

14 CFR Part 21, Airworthiness Certificates

This part establishes the procedures for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate. While the

FAA continues to work to develop airworthiness standards for Unmanned Aerial Systems, we

request an experimental certificate be issued for the DJI Inspire1 under either or both of the 

following provisions:

21.191 Experimental certificates. Experimental certificates are issued for the following 

purposes:

(a) Research and development. Testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft equipment,

new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or new uses for aircraft.

(b) Showing compliance with regulations. Conducting flight tests and other operations to show 

compliance with the airworthiness regulations including flights to show compliance for issuance 

of type and supplemental type certificates, flights to substantiate major design changes, and 

flights to show compliance with the function and reliability requirements of the regulations. 

Since the experimental certificate can be used for commercial purposes such as market surveys, 

sales demonstrations, and customer crew training, we would expect that an experimental 

certificate would permit our commercial purpose as well. The aircraft will not carry persons or 

property, will not carry fuel, and will only fly under strict operational requirements. Combined 

with the UAS's light weight, being constructed primarily of carbon fiber and plastic, we propose 

that the UAS will be at least as safe, if not safer, than a conventionally certificated aircraft 

performing the same mission. If an experimental airworthiness certificate is not appropriate for 

this application, then we request an exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and the 

requirement for an airworthiness certificate in general, citing the equivalent level of safety 

outlined in the previous paragraph.
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14 CFR 45.23 Display of marks; general and 45.29 Size of marks. 

These regulations provide that each aircraft must display "N" and the aircraft's registration 

number in letters at least 3 inches high. Additionally, the aircraft must display the word 

"EXPERIMENTAL" in letters at least 2 inches high near the entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or 

pilot station. The sUAS does not have an entrance in which the word "EXPERIMENTAL" can be 

placed, and may not have a registration number assigned to it by the FAA. We propose to 

achieve an equivalent level of safety by including the word "EXPERIMENTAL" in the placard on 

the top of the aircraft, as shown above, where the PIC (Pilot In Control), VO (Visual Observer) 

and others in the vicinity of the aircraft while it is preparing for launch will be able to see the 

designation. Additionally, we feel that the permanent placard discussed in the previous 

paragraph will provide the aircraft's registration information at the ground station. Finally, we 

will display at the ground station a high contrast flag or banner that contains the words 

"Unmanned Aircraft Ground Station" in letters 3 inches high or greater. Since the aircraft will 

operate within 0.263 NM of the ground station, the banner should be visible to anyone that 

observes the aircraft and chooses to investigate its point of origin.

14 CFR 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in Command and 61.133

Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

The regulation provides that no person that holds a Private Pilot certificate may act as pilot in

Command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Subparagraph (b) allows a private pilot to act

as pilot in command 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. Our proposed operations require that the PIC

must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate with a Class III Medical issued by the FAA and since 

the aircraft cannot carry passengers or property, we feel we meet the intent of 61.113 

Subparagraph (b) even though the intent of this application is to conduct a business.

14 CFR 91.7 Prohibits the Operation of an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate. As no 

such certificate will be applicable in the form contemplated by the FARs, this Regulation is

inapplicable.

14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements. 

This regulation provides that no person may operate an aircraft unless a current, approved 

flight manual is in the aircraft. We assume that the intent of this requirement is to ensure that 

flight manual information is available to the aircrew while operating the aircraft. We request an 

exemption to this requirement since the aircraft is not only too small to carry documentation, 

the documentation would not be available to the crew during flight operations. To obtain an

equivalent level of safety and meet the intent of 91.9, we propose that a current, approved 

sUAS Flight Manual must be available to the crew at the ground station anytime the aircraft is 

in, or preparing for, flight, and ready for presentation for any governing official upon request.

14 CFR 91.109 Flight Instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests

The regulation states that "No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for flight

instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. Although the DJI Inspire 1 is 
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capable of duel/linked controls, Drone 1 Aerial LLC will be operating with a single remote 

controller.

91.119 Minimum safe altitudes:

General. The regulation states that over sparsely populated areas the aircraft cannot be 

operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Since the typical 

mission of the sUAS would be photography or survey of persons, vessels, vehicles or structures 

it would be necessary to operate closer than 500 feet to the items listed. Operations will only 

be flown over property or persons where permission has been obtained and careful preplanned flight path has been performed. The aircraft will be operated at a low altitude allowing, 

if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the 

surface. Therefore we maintain that due to the small size of the UAS, the hazard to persons, 

vehicles and structures is minimal compared to manned aircraft, which should be considered in 

granting the exemption.

CFR 91.121 Altimeter settings.

The regulation requires that aircraft shall maintain cruising altitudes by reference to an 

altimeter setting available within 100 NM of the aircraft. The sUAS will always fly below 200

feet AGL and will not need to maintain cruising altitudes in order to prevent conflict with other 

aircraft. An Above Ground Level altimeter measurement above the takeoff point is transmitted 

via radio from the sUAS on-board computer to the display screen held by the PIC, providing a 

constantly updated AGL readout.

14 CFR 91.151 Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.

The regulation provides that no person may begin a flight in an airplane under day-VFR

conditions unless there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and to fly after

that for at least 30 minutes. We feel the intention of this paragraph is to provide an energy

reserve as a safety buffer for delays to landing. The sUAV is battery operated and the maximum

duration of flight from a single battery charge is 18 minutes with a 20% reserve. Since the

aircraft will never fly more than 0.263 NM from the point of intended landing, a full battery 

charge at launch will ensure that we meet the reserve energy requirement of this paragraph. 

We request an exemption to the word "fuel" and ask for an equivalent interpretation with the 

word "energy".

14 CFR 91.203(a) & (b) Civil aircraft: Certifications required.

The regulation provides that an airworthiness certificate, with the registration number assigned

to the aircraft and a registration certificate must be aboard the aircraft. Additionally,

subparagraph (b) provides that the airworthiness certificate be "displayed at the cabin or 

cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew." At a maximum gross weight of 6.47

pounds, the sUAS is too small to carry documentation, does not have an entrance, and is not 

capable of carrying passengers or crew. To obtain an equivalent level of safety and meet the 

intent of 91.203, we propose that documents deemed appropriate for this aircraft by the FAA 

will be with the crew at the ground control station and available for inspection upon request. In

order to identify the aircraft, we propose that the information found on airworthiness and
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registration certificates be permanently affixed to the aircraft via placard containing the 

following information plus the word "EXPERIMENTAL" to satisfy the requirement of 14 CFR 

45.23.

14 CFR Subpart E (91.401- 91.417)- Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Alterations 

The regulation provides that the operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in 

an airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 and 43. Paragraphs 91.407 and 

91.409 require that the aircraft be "approved for return to service by a person authorized under 

43.7" after maintenance and inspection. It is our intention that the PIC perform maintenance 

and inspection of the aircraft and "be authorized to approve the aircraft for return to service." 

The PIC will ensure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight and in 

addition conduct detailed inspections after every two hours of flight. Maintenance performed 

by the PIC is limited to repairing small cracks, replacing a propeller, checking electrical 

connections and updating software and firmware for the on-board computer. All other 

maintenance will be performed by the manufacturer or their designated repair facility. The PIC 

will document work performed in accordance with 91.417. We feel that due to the size, 

construction, and simplicity of the aircraft, the PIC can ensure an equivalent level of safety.

Safety and Benefits of the UAS

Drone 1 Aerial LLC will be using the UAS in a variety of applications that generally require

expensive full-size manned aircraft to complete. Small, light, unmanned aerial vehicles offer

more efficient and safer benefits over the use of full-sized manned aircraft for aerial 

photography, advanced agriculture monitoring, film and still photography, real estate 

marketing, (see attachment 4), and water supply monitoring. Due to drought conditions in the 

area over the past few years, this would greatly supply safer, faster, and more efficient 

information to our local officials who need this information about the lake levels and our water 

supply.

Replacing significantly larger manned aircraft carrying crew and flammable fuel with small UAS

carrying no passengers or crew creates a much greater margin of safety for the pilots and crew.

By granting Drone 1 Aerial LLC‘s requested exemptions, the FAA will help drive development of 

safe and successful commercial UAS operations and will advance the public knowledge base for 

such operations. Drone 1 Aerial LLC is committed to promoting the UAS research efforts of 

policymakers including the FAA, NASA, DOD and DARPA by sharing data from its commercial 

UAS operations and serving as a resource for future UAS research operations. Thus, the FAA has 

good cause to grant this Petition.

Conclusion

As pointed out in this application, the DJI Inspire1 which our company would use, under

authorization by the US DOT-FAA, is a small, light-weight device operated within the line of

sight of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC), less than 200 feet above the ground and outside 5 miles

from any airport, heliport, seaplane base, spaceport, or other location with aviation activities,

unless the air traffic control authorities (ATC) have been notified and have authorized each 

flight within a radius of this distance.
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The DJI Inspire1 has been proven capable for controlled flight. It is a UAS offered for general

sale on the market around the world and have often been used as Model Aircraft in the USA.

We are certain that the studies conducted until now by the FAA, about Section 332, Public Law

112-95, 2014, have already provided you with the assurances on the airworthiness of sUAS such 

as ours.

For the foregoing reasons, the exemptions requested herein should be granted and Drone 1 

Aerial LLC 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.

The submission of this application and its contents is the best demonstration that indeed it is

possible to pursue the authorization process so that some SUAs may be used for legitimate

commercial activities and under reasonably safe conditions.

Signed

Aaron Hlavaty

Drone 1 Aerial LLC