August 20, 2015

Exemption No. 12542 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

− 20 15

− 1741

Mr. Chad Hicks Navigation Electronics, Inc.

200 Toledo Drive Lafayette, LA 70506

Dear Mr. Hicks :

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 s dated May 1

, 2015, and June 12, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Navigation Electronics, Inc. ( hereinafter petitioner or

operator ) for an exemption . The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial surveys and aerial data collection for agriculture and mining

.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing 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

.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a Trimble UX5

.2

In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic Law 112

− 95 in

reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation

has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA

finds that relief from 14 CFR part 21

, C ertification procedures for products an d parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection 1

. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s

. 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 Lab s , Inc. ( see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the s pecifications 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

b y 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 rea sons 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 exempti on 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, Navigation Electronics, Inc. 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 (part iculate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by

instruments aboard the UA.3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Navigation Electronics, Inc. is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the Trimble UX5 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 tha n 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 u tilize 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 ;

e lectronic 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 en sure 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 out lined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed.4

Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating docum ents. 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 fo r 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 FA A’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 p eople. 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

i nspection 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 exempt ion, 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 Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew 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 be5

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, v essels, 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 (traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) a nd 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 t raining sessions. During

traini ng, 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 w ith 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 U A 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 symbo l as denoted on the current

FAA

- published a eronautical 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 an y 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 sign al, the UA must return to a

pre

- determined location within the pr ivate 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 T raffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted 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 con ducted 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 identification6

(N− Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR pa rt 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 St ation 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 t imes.

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 th at 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 p rotection 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 t o 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 control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representa tive 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 FA A'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.7

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

as documente d 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 a rea of propos ed 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

und er this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of th e 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 th at 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 repres entative; 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

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

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.8

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

Sincerely,

/ s/

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures1 May 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

Re: Application for Issuance of Section 333 Exemption B ased upon Exemption 11110 Issued to Trimble Navigation Ltd.

Dear Sir or Madam

,

Navigation Electronics, Inc. (“ NEI ”) her e with applies for the issuance of an exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 based upon Exemption 11110 issued to Trimble Navigation Ltd. (“Trimble”) on December 10, 2014 in FAA Docket 2014

- 0367

. The requested exemption would allow NEI to operate the UX5 aircraft manufactured by Trimble or other Trimble aircraft approved for commercial operations under Exemption 11110 , as amended , such as the UX5hp for which an amendment has been filed

. NEI notes that the FAA recently authorized use of the Trimble UX5 by a third party in Exemption No. 11257, Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 2014

– 0889

, on April 2, 2015

, under updated conditions

, and NEI hereby confirms that it will accept such conditions as well as those set forth in Exemption No. 11240, Regulatory Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0894

.

The name and contact information for the applicant are:

Chad Hicks Navigation Electronics, Inc. 200 Toledo Drive Lafayette, LA 70506 Phone: (800) 949

- 1446 chad_hicks@neigps.com

NEI intends to operate the UX5 or the UX5hp from Trimble and will operate it in strict compliance with the conditions set forth in Exemption 11110 , as such conditions may be amended or modified by the FAA from time to time, as was done in Exemption No s

. 11240 and 11257

, or such other conditions as the FAA shall specify, and the following manuals:

1) Trimble UX5 Data Sheet ; and
2 ) Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide (User Guide)

C opies of these manuals are attached

.U.S. Department of Transportation 1 May 2015 Page 2

These manuals are very similar to the manuals submitted by Trimble in support of the issuance of Exemption 11110 , updated to reflect changes reported in Trimble’s March 4, 2015 amendment to Exemption 11110. The manuals will be updated by Trimble

, as needed to reflect any ch anges to Exemption 11110

, based on amendments thereto

.

NEI acknowledges that under current FAA guidance a separate Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (“COA”) is required to fly at altitudes in excess of 200 feet AGL , and it will apply for COAs where required

. NEI hereby requests a blanket COA for flights up to 200 feet AGL in the form approved by the FAA. NEI will also file NOTAM s for its flights

, as required.

To the extent necessary, NEI refers the FAA to the original exemption and the amended exemption request s submitted by Trimble in Docket FAA

- 2014

- 0367 for demonstration
of the public interest and an equival ent level of safety. Because the UX 5 and the UX5hp specified in this request are the same or

, essentially the same

, as the craft already approved in Exemption 11110

, and NEI will operate the aircraft in strict compliance with

the conditions in existing exemptions previously granted by the FAA

, or as they may be

amended , notice need not be provided in the Federal Register nor public comment

solicited. 1

If you have any questions

, please contact the undersigned.

Very truly yours,

Chad Hicks Navigation Electronics, Inc.

200 Toledo Drive Lafayette, LA 70506

Enclosure

cc: Barbara Poché Kelli Poché Guidry
William Poché Kyle Gilbertson

1 Applicant reads Section 333 as placing the duty on the Administrator not only to process applications for exemptions under Section 333 but, if he determines that the conditions set forth herein do

not fulfill the statutory requirements for approval, to craft conditions for the safe operation of the UAS.June 12 , 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590

Re: Summary Processing: Exemption Request Under Se ction 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations B ased U pon Exemption 11110A I ssued to Trimble Navigation L imi t e d

Dear Sir or Madam:

Navigation Electronics, Inc. (“ Applicant ”) herewith applies for the issuance of an exemption under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (“Reform Act”) based upon Exemption 11110 issued to Trimble Navigation L imi t e d (“Trimble”) on December 10,
2014

, as amended on May 7, 2015 with issuance of Exemption 11110A in FAA Docket 2014

- 0367.

The requested exemption would allow Applicant to operate t he UX5 and the UX5 hp aircraft manufactured by Trimble or other Trimble aircraft approved for commercial operations under Exemption s 11110 and 11110A , as they may be amended in the future

. Applicant notes
that , in Exemption 11257, the FAA also recently au thorized use of the Trimble UX5 by a third party under conditions like those in Exemption 11110A. 1 Applicant hereby confirms that it will accept the conditions in Exemptions 11110A and 11257

.

Applicant aircraft will be used to conduct aerial surveys and perform aerial data collection for agriculture, mining

, and other purposes, but not for closed set filming (hereinafter “the Purpose”). Applicant hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulati ons (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its small unmanned aerial vehicles (“ sUA V s ”) , so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA in an exemption granted under either Se ction 333

o r Section 49 U.S.C. §44701(f).

As this e xemption request is identical to the already issued precedent , this request should qualify for summary processing as the FAA has already provided public notice of and granted similar exemptions

. The FAA has issued exemption s in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in this petition. In numerous exemptions, the FAA has found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft ( “ UA ” ) with the specifications described by the petitioner s and carrying no passengers or crew, when compared to flights of much larger manned aircraft that carry crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the s UA V operation enabled by the exemption s serves the public

interest. 2 In those cases, u se of the proposed sUAV not only enhance d safety but also fulfill ed

1 Exemption No. 11257 to Montana Land Surveys (see Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0889).

2 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)

.2 the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA A dministrator’s) responsibility to “

. . . establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” Section 333(c) of the Reform Act.

The name and address of the applicant is:

Chad Hicks Navigation Electronics, Inc.
200 Tole do Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506 +1 (800) 949

– 1446 or +1 (501) 425

– 4585

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 C.F.R. 61.23 (a) and (c) 14 C.F.R. 61.101(e)(4) and (5)
14.C.F.R. 61.113 (a) 14 C.F.R. 61.315(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) 14 C.F.R. 91.119(c)
14 C.F.R. 91.121 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)(1)
14 C.F.R. 91.405 (a)
14 C.F.R. 91. 407(a)(1)
14 C.F.R. 91. 409 (a)(1) and (2)
14 C.F.R. 91. 417(a) and (b)

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing
Section s 333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation

to consider whether cer tain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of

s UAV s 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 sUAV ’ s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

• Operation of the sUAV in close proximity to airports and populated ar eas; and

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

Reform Act § 333(a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. § 333(c) (emphasis added)

. 3

The Federal Aviation Act, in addition to the authority granted by Section 333 of Reform Act, expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. Thi s statutory authority by its terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under § 40101 of the Act, from the

3 Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only process applications for exemptions under section 333, but for the Administrator to cra ft conditions for the safe operation of the sUAV , if it should be determined that the conditions set forth herein do not fulfill the statutory requirements for approval.3 requiremen t that all civil aircraft, which includes s UAVs, must have a current airworthiness
certificate. 4

The sUAV s that Applicant proposes to use are fixed wing and weigh 55 or fewer lbs. including payload. They operate, under normal conditions, at a speed of no more than 87 knots. They will operate at altitudes of no more than 400 feet, as further explained, and only wit hin line of sight. They will operate as set forth in the manuals previously attached as; 1) Trimble UX5 Data Sheet; and 2) Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide (User Guide)

. Operations in compliance with t hese manuals will ensure that the sUAV will “not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public” 5 and that the aircraft will operate in compliance with the conditions set forth in this application.

**AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF S AFETY**  **/NATIONAL SECURITY**

The Applicant states that operating in compliance with the conditions set forth in Exemption 11110A will provide an equivalent level of safety for the operation of the UX5 and UX5 hp. Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUAVs for aerial data collection will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional operations, using jet or piston power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes just feet from the subject being photographed and in extreme proximity to people and structures and present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh in the neighborhood of 6,000 lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel (140 gallons for jet helicopters). Such aircraft must fly to and from the project location. I n contrast, a sUAV weighing fewer than 55 lbs. and powered by batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The sUAV is carried to the target area and not flown. The sUAV will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. These lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in areas that are under the control of the operator and, as a resu lt, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with larger manned aircraft operating in close proximity to the ground and people.

Given the small size of the sUAVs involved and the restricted environment within which they will operate, 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 sUAVs to commence immediately. Also, due to the size of the sUAVs, the

restricted areas in which they will operate, and the fact that they will be flown by pilots holding at least an FAA sport or recreational pilot license, approval of the application presents no national security issue.

**PUBLIC INTEREST**

The FAA has granted exemptions to the r egulations listed on page 2 in the exemptions

cited above. As discussed in detail for each of these regulations in the attached Appendix A, the public interest will be served by an exemption because, with respect to each, operation in compliance with the requested conditions will ensure an equivalent level of safety. As also

4 “ The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation

prescr ibed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702

- 44716 of the Transportation Act if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest. ” 49 U.S.C. §44701(f). See also 49 U.S.C. § 44711(a); 49 U.S .C. § 44704; 14 C.F.R. § 91 .203 (a)(1).

5 Section 333 (b) of the Reform Act

.4 explained at length in Trimble’s original Section 333 exemption request submitted on May 30, 2014, t he grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest given the clear direc tion in Section 333 of the Reform Act; the authority included in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations; and the significant public benefit derived from, among other things, the enhan ced safety and reduced environmental impact, including the reduced emissions associated with allowing battery powered sUAVs instead of turbine or gas powered aircraft.

*********

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publicati on in the Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed:

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 C.F.R. §§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), 91.405(a)(1), 91.409(a) (1) and (2)

, and 91.417(a) and (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less) in motion picture and television operati ons and aerial data collection.

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012

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

– provide more than adequate justification for the

g rant of the requeste d exemption allowing commercial operation of applicant’s sUAV for the Purpose outlined herein and are consistent with exemptions already granted, including Exemption 1110A

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

Very truly yours,

Chad Hicks Navigation Electronics, Inc.

cc: Barbara Poch é

William Poch é

Kelli Poch é Guidry5 **APPENDIX A**

**14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a) and (c): Medical Certificates: Requirement and Duration**

Sections 61.23(a) and (c) address the requirement of medical certificates for pilots. Section 61.23(a) requires a person exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot to hold at least a third class medical certificate. Section 61.23(c) permits the ho lder of a sport pilot certificate to act as PIC of a light

- sport aircraft with either a medical certificate or U.S. issued driver’s license. Light

- sport aircraft may weigh up to 1,430 pounds and seat up to two persons, including the pilot. Comparatively, the Trimble craft will weigh fewer than 55 pounds, and it will not carry pilots, passengers, or cargo. The UAS will also be operated within visual line of sight of the PIC and below 400 feet above ground level and limited to operations with permission ov er private or controlled

- access property.

Given these safety parameters, Applicant requests that the FAA waive Section 61.23(a) upon a finding that an equivalent level of safety will be provided by allowing operation of the Trimble craft by pilots with a recreational or sport pilot certificate and a valid U.S. state issued driver’s license, in lieu of an FAA

- issued medical certificate. Applicant also requests that the FAA grant relief from Section 61.23(c) to allow sport pilot certificate holders to oper ate aircraft other than light

- sport aircraft with a valid U.S. issued driver’s license. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in a number of cases, including Exemption 11213.

**14 C.F.R. Part 61: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitati ons: Pilot in Command** 

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to non

- commercial operations.
Section 61.315(a) addresses the privileges and limitations of the holder of a sport pilot
certificate.

Because the sUAV will not carry a pilot or passengers , the proposed operations can achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring the PIC operating the aircraft to hold a certificate issued by the FAA authorizing operation of any aircraft (ATP, Commercial, Private, Recreational or Sport). Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot and passengers, the sUAV is remotely controlled with no living thing on board. The area of operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as

set forth in the manual. The level of safety provided by the requirements included in the manuals exceeds that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot’s certificate operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of the sUAV are so diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the sUAV as requested with any certificate issued by the FAA as the PIC greatly exceeds the presen t level of safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. Part 61. The FAA has granted exemptions for private and sport or recreational pilots to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.

**14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes**

Section 91. 119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Specifically, 91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet6 above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In thos e cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

As set forth herein, the Trimble craft will never operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. They will, however, be operated to avoid congested or popul ated areas that are depicted in yellow on VFR sectional charts. Because aerial survey work must be accomplished at relatively low altitudes and at altitudes less than 400 feet AGL, an exemption from Section 91.119(c) is

needed.

The equivalent level of saf ety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed, and material with which the Trimble craft are built. Also, no flight will be taken without the permission of the landowner or those who control the land. Because of the advance notice to the landowner, all affected individuals will be aware of the survey flights. Compared to aerial survey operations conducted with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the Trimble craft and carrying flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations will b e far less than those currently allowed with conventional aircraft operating at or below the same altitude. Indeed, the low

- altitude operations of the sUAV will maintain separation between these sUAV operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213,
11360 and 11447.

**14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings**

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.” As each sUAV model in at least one operating mode will not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the manuals, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.

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

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed

– (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) A t night, to fly after that for at least 45

minutes.”

The battery powering the sUAV limits the duration of a flight. To meet the 30

- minute reserve requirement in 14 C.F.R. § 91.151, sUAV flights would be severely limited, in some cases to approximately 1 0 minutes in length. Given the limitations on the sUAV’s proposed flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or night VFR conditions is reasonable.

Applicant believes tha t an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) falls within the scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the sUAV, in a tightly controlled area

where onl y people and property owners or official representatives who have signed waivers will7 be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of th e sUAV.

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to five minutes of reserve time on the batteries. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the sUAV to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area. Similar exemptions have been granted to other operations in Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673, 10808 and Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.

**14 C.F.R. Part 91: Maintenance Inspections**

Section 91.405(a) requires that an airc raft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this cha pter

. . . .” Section 91.407 similarly makes reference to requirements in

Part 43; Section 91.409(a)(2) requires an annual inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness
certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or operator to keep records showi ng certain maintenance work that has been accomplished by certificated mechanics, under Part 43, or licensed pilots and records of approval of the aircraft for return to service.

Given that these sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworth iness certificate, these sections will not apply to the applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operator pursuant to the manuals. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because these sUAVs are very limited in size and will carry a smal l payload and operate only in areas for limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise, the sUAV can land immediately since it will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the manuals, the operator will

ensure that the sUAV is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition in order to provide the equivalent level of safety. The FAA has granted exemptions for similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.