April 24, 2015

Exemption No. 11424 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 20 15

– 0176

Mr. Gregory S. Winton The Aviation Law Firm 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Suite 300 Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. Winton :
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.

The Basis for Our Decision
By letter dated January 2 3 , 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of AgScan, Inc. ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption

. The exemption would all ow the petitioner to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial acquisition s and research

. 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

. The FAA received one individual comment in opposition to the petition and one in support

. In granting this exemption, the FAA has determined that the proposed operations can safely be conducted under the conditions and limitations of this exemption. As with exemptions issued to Aeryon Lab, Astraeus Aerial, Clayco, Inc., and VDOS Global, LL C, failure to comply with the2
document’s conditions and limitations is grounds for immediate suspension or rescission of the exemption.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a Drag a nflyer X4

− ES.

In accordance with the statut ory 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 and parts, Subpart H

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

The Basis for Our Decision
You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection

. 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

− 20 14

− 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 specifications described by the peti tioner 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 i nterest.
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, AgScan, 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 the3
extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection

. This exemption is subj ect to the conditions and limitations listed below.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, AgScan, 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 Drag a nflyer X4

− ES UAS when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other a ircraft 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 m anufacturer.

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 ;
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 ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.

7. This exe mption 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 operating4

documents must be acce ssible 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 herei n 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 d etermines 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 ari se 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 fl ight 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 airc raft 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 Col u mbia , Puerto Rico, a territory, a pos session, or the Federal5
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 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 (traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s abilit y 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 train i 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 with 14 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS opera tions 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 symbo l 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 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 Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The6
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 (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 t he 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 U A, 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 saf ety 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 representative will be obtained for each flight to be con ducted.

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 be7
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.

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 a rea of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurren ce 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 th e person respo nsible 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 l ocal 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 91.8
This exemption terminates on April, 30, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded.
Sincerely,

/s/ John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards ServiceUNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, DC

Regulatory Docket No. _______________

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF: AGSCAN, INC. FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATION S SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121 , 91.151(b ), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)( 1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF THE

DRAGANFLYER X4

- ES UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

PURSUAN T TO SECTION 333 OF THE F AA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 ( PUBLIC LAW 112

- 95)

Submitted on January 23
, 201 5

G REGORY S

. W INTON , E SQ

. J ARED M. A LLEN , E SQ

. T HE A VIATION L AW F IRM 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Suite 300 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Tel: (301) 294

- 8550 Fax: (866) 568

- 9886 Attorneys for Petitioner2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

................................ ................................ ................. 3

SUMMARY

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 4

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER

................................ ................. 4

BACKGROUND

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 5

BASIS FOR PETITION

................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER

................................ ................................ . 7

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH AGSCAN, INC. SEEKS EXEMPTION

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 8

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF AGSCAN, INC. SEEKS AND THE REASON AGSCAN, INC. SEEKS THE RELIEF

................................ ................................ ....... 1 1

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING AGSCAN, INC. 'S REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

................................ ....... 14

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY

................................ ................................ .............. 19

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER

.......... 3 3

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT AGSCAN, INC. 'S REQUEST

................................ ............................ 33

CONCLUSION

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 3 33 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level
AOI Area of Interest
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATO Air Traffic Organization
C.F.R. Code of Federal Regulation s COA Certificate of Authorization
FAA Federal Aviation Administra tion
FAR Federal Aviation Regulation s
GCS Ground Control Station
GPS Global Positioning System
LOL Loss of Link
NAS National Airspace System
NOTAM Notice to Airman
PIC Pilot I n Command

RTH Return To Home
Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
UA Unmanned Aircraft
UAS Unmanned Aircraft System
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VLOS Visual Line of Site
VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
VO Visual Observer
VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing4 SUMMARY
AgScan, Inc. seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b),

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

to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA)

. This exem ption will permit AgScan, Inc. to

operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UA S ) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial
acquisitions and research over certain rural areas of the United States

.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER
AgScan, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ AgScan ”) was founded in 2014 by CEO Josh ua

Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran, certified UA S pilot, published UA S researcher, and s earch and

rescue expert. AgScan is a Service

- Disabled Veteran

- Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

focused on bringing the technolog ical advancements of UAS into the foreground of precision
agriculture

. This innovative approach to data collection will ultimately enable multiple

industries to have a faster, safer, and more efficient way to do business.
Ag S can offer s comprehensive prog ram management solutions to develop data
, with
precision and speed
, concerning precision agriculture
, land management, infrastructure, and

archite cture. AgScan is fully compliant with government regulations and industry protocols.
Ag S can firmly believe s in combining innovation, integrity, and quality into all of its operations
,
in order to best aid its clients and the communities i t se rve s

. As set forth in this Petition, AgScan seeks to commercially operate its Draganflyer X4

-

ES UAS over certain rural areas of the United States for the purpose of conducting aerial
acquisitions and research
, remote gathering of agricultural data , i nfrastructure m anagement5

a ssessments, search and rescue operations , and r econnaissance in support of d isaster or

e mergenc y situations

.
BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft System: Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
AgScan seeks an exemption to operate the AgScan Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS for
compensation or hire within the NAS

. The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is comprised of a vertical
takeoff and landing (VTOL) U nmanned A ircraft (UA) and a transportable G round C ontrol

S tation (GCS) . The Draganflyer X4

- ES UA has a maximum gross weight of approximately 5

. 5
pounds, while having a diameter of 42 inches
, heig ht of 11.5 inches
, and maximum speed of 30
mph ( approximately 26 knots) . The Draganflyer X4

- ES UA is equipped with four propellers,
each being driven by a Lithium Polymer b attery powered electric motor.

The Draganflyer X4

- ES UA that will be operated by Ag Scan will be registered in

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103
, Registration of Aircraft
, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft

Registration
, and marked in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45
, Identification and Registration
Marking

.
BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, AgScan, Inc.
, by and through undersigned counsel, pursuant to the provisions

of t he Federal Aviation Regulations ( 14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform

Act of 2012, Section 333, entitled Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Airc raft Systems , hereby
petitions the Administrator to operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS in the N ational A irspace

S ystem (NAS)
, and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b),

91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151( b ), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).6

I n consideration of the size, weight and speed, as well as the limited area of intended
operation associated with the unmanned aircraft
, AgScan ’s use of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS

meets the conditions of the FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness

certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. P art 21, Subpart H.
Accordingly
, AgScan requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1)

& (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only
apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.
AgScan submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will

be ensured. AgScan will use manufacturer trained technicians to perform maintenance,

alteration s , or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices
prescribed in the manufacturer’s maintenance manual . Furthermore, AgScan will document and

maintain all maintenance records for the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b)
, entitled Private pilot
privileges and limitations: Pilot in command
, is requested by AgScan to the extent necessary to

allow a Pilot in Command ( PIC ) holding a private or higher level pilot certificate
, and a n airman
medical certificate, and who has completed the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS training and currency
requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire

. AgScan

submits that the conditions and limit ations set forth herein will ensure the safety of the NAS , as

well as the safety of persons and property on the ground.
AgScan seeks relief from Section 91.7(a) , entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness
, because

the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14

C.F.R. P art 21, Subpart H. As such, AgScan submits that it will ensure that the Draganflyer X4

-

ES UAS is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight
, by determining that the UAS is in7

compliance with its type design pursuant to the Draganflyer X4

- ES User Manual , and that the
aircraft is in a condition for safe flight

. AgScan also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled
Altimeter Settings , as the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA will not have a typical barometric altimeter

onboard

. However
, altitude information of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA will be provided to the

PIC via Global Positioning S ystem ( GPS ) equipment and a radio communications telemetry data

link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path

. This

altitud e information, c ombined with AgScan ’s operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA within
visual line of sight
, at or below 400 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section

91.121.
Additionally, AgScan seeks an exemption from the requirements o f Section 91.151( b ),

entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. AgScan submits that safety will not be

affected by operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA during daylight hours under visual flight

rules ( VFR ) and visual meteorological conditions (VMC)
, with enough battery power to fly for a

total duration of 15 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising
speed, to fly after that for at least five minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power remaining )

.
In a ccordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, AgScan provides the following information in
support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name A nd Address Of T he Petitioner.

The name and address of the Petitioner is:
AgScan
, Inc. 108 Sharlow Drive Wallingford, PA 19086

- 66348

The point of contact for this P etition and specific contact information is as follows:
Gregory S. Winton, Esq. The Aviation Law Firm 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway
, Suite 300 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Tel: (301) 294

- 8550 | Fax: (866) 568

- 9886 Ema il: Greg@aviationlawexperts.com

B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which AgScan Seeks Exemption.

1. AgScan Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b).

Section 61.113 , entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command
,
subsections (a) and (b) prescribe th e following, in relevant part:
( a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensati on or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if

— (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. AgScan Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a).

Section 91. 7 , entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , subsection (a), states the following :
(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

3

. AgScan Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121.

Section 91.121 , entitled Altimeter settings , subsection (a), states the following, in part:
(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating

-- (1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to

-- (i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft;9

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or
(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure

.
4

. AgScan Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151 ( b )

.
Section 91.151
, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions
, subsection ( b ),

state s the following:
(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditi ons) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

5

. AgScan Seeks Exemption F rom T he R equirement O f Section 91.405(a)

.
Section 91. 405
, entitled Maintenance required
, subsection ( a )
, states the follow ing :
Each owner or operator of an aircraft

— (a) 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 chapter [.]

6

. AgScan Seeks Exemption F rom The Requirements Of Section 91.407(a)(1)

.
Section 91. 407
, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive mainte nance,
rebuilding, or alteration , subsection (a)(1)
, state s the following:
(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless

-- (1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized under § 43.7 of this chapter [.]

7

. AgScan Seeks Exemption F rom The Requirements Of Sections 91.409(a)(1) A nd 91.409( a)(2 ).

Section 91.409
, entitled Inspections , subsection (a)
, state s the following:10

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had

-- (1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of t his chapter; or
(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.

8

. AgScan Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section s 91.417(a) A nd 91.417 (b)

.
Section 91.417
, entitled Maintenance records , subsections (a) and (b), state the
following:
(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1 ) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100

- hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include

-- (i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and
(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and
(iii) The signature, and certificate num ber of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.
(2) Records containing the following information:
(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each rotor.

(ii) The current status of life

- limited parts o f each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.
(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.
(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, includi ng the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.11

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.
(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each majo r alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.
(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:
(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed.
(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is so ld.
(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.

C

. The Extent Of Relief AgScan Seeks And The R eason A gScan Seeks The Relief

.
1. Extent of Relief AgScan Seeks And The Reason AgScan Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b)

. Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations:

Pilot in command
, is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private or higher

level pilot certificate
, a current and valid airman medical certificate, and who has completed the
Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS training and currency requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS
flight operations for compensation or hire

.
This relief is re quested since the limitations set for th in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state

that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any
business or employment if

- (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.12

As set forth more fully below, AgScan submits that an equivalent le vel of safety will be

maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS unless that

PIC has demonstrated
, through the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS training and currency requirements
, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Draganfl yer X4

- ES UAS in a manner consistent with the
operations specifications as described in this exemption
, including evasive and emergency

maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and

structures.

Further, AgScan submits that all flights of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS conducted by the

PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition

- (1) will be incidental to AgScan ’s business; and

(2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. Extent of Relief AgScan Seeks And The Reason AgScan Seeks Relief From Section 91. 7(a)

.

R elief from Section 91. 7( a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness
, is requested to the extent
required to allow AgScan to determine that the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is in an airworthy

condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the Draganflyer

X4

- ES User Manual , and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight

. AgScan seeks the requested relief because the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS doe s not require

an air worthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 21, Subpart H

. Therefore, prior to
every flight
, AgScan will ensure that the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is in an airworthy condition

based up on a visual inspection
, in orde r to determine that the UA and its components are in
complia nce with its type design and operating documents (i.e., the Draganflyer X4

- ES User

Manual
, GCS User Manual, and Draganflyer X4

- ES System Maintenance Manual ) , and that the
aircraft can be operated safely pursuant to the conditions and limitations stated herein.13

3

. Extent of Relief AgScan Seeks And The Reason AgScan Seeks Relief From Section 91. 121

. Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings , may be required to allow flight
operations of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS, which utilizes a barometric pressure sensor , GPS
equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitud e information

from the UA to the PIC at the GCS. AgScan seeks the requested relief because the Draganflyer

X4

- ES UA does not utilize a typical barometric altimeter onboard that may be set as
contemplated by Section 91.121. As more fully set forth below, an equivalent level of safety

will be maintained since the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA is equipped with a b arometric p ressure

s ensor and GPS equipment
, which automatically ensure s that a ground level pressure setting will

be e stablished prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on

the heads

- up display of the GCS.

4

. Extent O f Relief AgScan Seeks And The Reason AgScan Seeks Relief From Section 91.151( b )

.

R elief from Section 91.151( b ) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions
, is
requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered Draganflyer X4

- ES UA
during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC)
, under visual flight rules

( VFR )
, for a total duration of 15 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming
normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least five minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power
remaining )

. AgScan seeks the requested relief because without an exe mption from Section

91.151( b ), the flight time duration of the battery power ed Draganflyer X4

- ES UA will severely
constrain the practicality of any aerial acquisition and research flight operations that AgScan

propose s to conduct pursuant to this Petition.14

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the Draganflyer X4

- ES

UAS, the Draganflyer X4

- ES User Manual , and AgScan ’s proposed operating limitations
, ensure

that AgScan will safely operate the battery powered Draganflyer X4

- ES UA during daylight

hours under VFR
, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 15 minutes to the first
point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least five

minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power remaining )

.
5

. Extent O f Relief AgScan Seeks And The Reaso n AgScan Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), A nd 91.417(a) & (b).

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only
apply to aircraft wit h an airworthiness certificate, AgScan requests relief from these Sections

because the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS does not require an airworthiness certificate. A s set forth

more fully below, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS meets the conditions of Section 333 of the

FMRA for operation without an airworthiness certificate

. Accordingly, AgScan will use

manufacturer trained technicians to perform maintenance, alteration s , or preventive maintenance

on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the manufacturer’s

maintenance manual

. Furthermore, AgScan w ill document and maintain all maintenance records

for the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.

D

. The Reasons Why Granting AgScan ’s Request For Exemption Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole

.
Gr anting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing AgScan to
safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial acquisition s and research o ver rural areas of

the United States, commercially, in support of government entities, agriculture, scientific studies,
wildlife monitoring, forestry operations
, and the oil and gas industries. Additionally, use of the
Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide15

significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of AgScan ’s proposed operation of the
Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

1. The Public Will Benefit From The Aerial Acquisition And Research Performed.
AgScan submits this Petition to commercially operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS and
perform aerial acquisition and research throughout rural areas of the United States , in sup port of
government entities, agriculture, infrastructure management assessments, search and rescue
operations, and r econnaissance operations during emergency situations

. The Draganflyer X4

- ES
UAS will provide safe, efficient, and economical aerial acquisition and research to further each

of these fields, all of which are critical to the well being of the general public.
The specific operations that AgScan will perform with the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
demonstrate how the requested exemption will directly benefit the above

- referenced industries

and the general public as a whole

. Agriculture
In the field of agriculture, AgScan ’ s operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will be

used to assess and increase crop y ield s , and allows for less, more precise use of pesticides and

herbicides. Specifically, Ag Scan ’ s ability to use the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS to perform pre

saved flight pattern operations via the fully automated GCS
, will allow for time

- lapse photos of
fields, crops
, and known land tracts. Th is ability to accurately re

- create the exact same GPS

derived flight pattern s , during all seasons
, will provide invaluable dat a for land and soil

management , which cannot be recreated using conventional manned aircraft

. The capability of
the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS to utilize the high definition video camera packages , high definition
photography packages, and infrared camera packages
, will allow for d etailed analysis and
recording. With the use of photo

- rendering software, three dimensional maps and topography16

data will be combined with time

- lapse photography acquired by the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
, in

order to create highly detailed maps necessary to determ i ne land erosion, perform flood
mapping
, a nd provide critical information for land management.

Infrastructure Management
With respect to infrastructure management, AgScan will equip the Draganflyer X4

- ES

UAS with a variety of sensors for the purpose of performing bridge inspection s in order to detect

defects
, such as delamination and fractures. The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will also enable
AgScan to detect and predict the formation of potholes
, which is a leading cause of damage on
the nation’s roadways

. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are 607,380
bridges in the United States and 67,000 are classified structurally deficient, 87,740 are classified
as functionally obsolete
, and 18,000 are c lassified as fracture critical. Since t raditional bridge
inspection methods are more than 100 years old, the public will benefit from inspection methods
involving AgScan’s operati on of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS

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

The Draganflyer X4

- ES UA is battery powered and serves as a safe, efficient, and
economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By
reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption
allowing the use of a Draganflye r X4

- ES UAS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in
the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the
air and on the ground.
Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS,
congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The
Draganflyer X4

- ES UA does not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of17

manned aircraft conducting aerial survey missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be
handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of
flight operations.

3

. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.
Conducting aerial acquisitions with the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS, instead of manned
aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution
generated during traditional aerial survey flight operations. By using battery power and electric

motors, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS produces no air pollution, and is the most viable
environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion twin
engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial acquisitions, while burning approximately 20

- 30
gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The Draganflyer X4

- ES UA, while reducing the carbon
footprint of aerial acquisitions , also reduces noise pollution, as the UA is propelled by battery
powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.
By using the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk
to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional
manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside

from the lack of flightcrew members located onboard the aircraft, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA
(weighing approximately 5.5 pounds at its maximum gross weight with a diameter of 42 inches
, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damag e to life and property on
the ground, and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct aerial
acquisitions (weighing approximately 6,500 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 40 feet, a
length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).18

4

. Performing Aerial Acquisition Operations With The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Will Benefit The Economy.
In addition to being safe and efficient, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is also an economical
alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct aerial acquisitions . As such, operation of the
Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will allow United States based companies , like AgScan
, to remain

co mpetitive 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 Draganflyer X4

- ES

UA S i s one such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility
compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a

traditional manned aircraft.
By operating the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS , co mpanies such as AgScan 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
, thro ugh commercial use of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal
tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain
competitive both i n the United States and abroad.

5

. There Are No Privacy Issues

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

d ecades
, AgScan ’s proposed operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will not implicate any
privacy issues. Specifically, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will be operated only in rural areas,

and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude19

requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. Most significantly
, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA will not be
operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure
, which is not directly
involved in the operation

.
E

. The Reasons Why Granting The Exemption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By The Rule From Which AgScan Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Mee ts The Conditions Of The FAA Modernizatio n and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333.
In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited geographical area s associated with

the unmanned aircraft and its proposed flight operation s , AgScan ’s operation of the Draganflyer

X4

- ES UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333
, and will not require an airworthiness
certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification

and sets for th requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the
NAS or the public
, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRA Section
333 states the following, in part:

( a) In General.

-- Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the nati onal airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act.
(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

-- In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum

-- (1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and
(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United St ates Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1).20

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.

-- If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely i n the nat ional airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe ope ration of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

I n seeking this exemption, AgScan submits that the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS can operate
safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by : ( a ) the characteristics of

the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS ; ( b ) the pilot certification requirement; and ( c ) the specific
operating limitations

.

a . The Specifications Of The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Demonstrate It s Safe Characteristics.

The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS does not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public,
or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational
capability.

i

. Technical Specifications Of The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.
The technical specifications of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS are set forth at pages 77

- 80

of the Draganflyer X4

- ES User Manual, attached hereto as Exhibit A. Exhibit A contains
proprietary information a nd is to be held in a separate file p ursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b) 1

.

ii

. The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Autonomous Flight A nd Navigation Modes Enable T he UAS To Remain Within A De fined O perational A rea.
The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS may be operated in either the semi

- autonomous or fully

autonomous flight modes. In its basic configuration, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS autonomous
flight mode features include a GPS Position and Altitude Hold, and a Return To Home (RTH)

function

. While utilizing the GPS Position and Altitude Hold feature, the UA will automatically

1 Exhibits to this Petition contain proprietary information, and in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b), are not to be included in the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS).21

hold its position, altitude and heading

. The RTH function commands a direct route to the
original point of launch , where the UA will perform an autonomous landing

.
A complete description of the GPS Position and Hold function of the Draganflyer X4

- ES

UAS is provided at page s 34

- 35 of the Draganflyer X4

- ES User Manual, attached hereto as

Exhibit A. Exhibit A contains proprietary information and is to be held in a separate file
pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b).

iii

. The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Is D esigned For Automatic Return To Home Or Auto

- Land In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation.
According to the manufacturer of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS, in the unlikely event of a
low battery condition or loss of the control link, the UA will automatically land or return to the
point of launch. An altitude threshold can also be programmed
, so that the UA will not exceed a
preset altitude.

Thro ugh the GCS, the PIC may s elect whether the UA will return to the point of launch
or automatically land in the unlikely event of the loss of the control link. If the automatic
landing feature is selected, the UA will begin a slow, safe, automatic descent to landing if the

control link is lost. Through feedback via on

- board inertia sensors, the UA motors are turned off
and the rotors stop spinning
, when the UA touches down upon la nding

. Upon a loss of the control link, i f the return to point of launch is selecte d, the UA will
begin to return to the point of launch, in a direct line. Once the UA returns to the point of
launch, it will hover to begin the manual landing process, or, if the control link has not been
reestablished, the UA will automatically land. If the control link is reestablished during a loss of

control link situati on , the PIC may begin to manually control the UA.22

Additionally, the PIC will receive audible and visual alerts at the GCS in the event of
degradation of the GPS signal or control link. If less than six GPS satellites are within range of

the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
, the PIC will receive a n audible and visual “Low GPS W arning”
,
which will also disable the GPS Position and Hold feature, as well as the RTH feature

.
Lik e wise, the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will provide an audible and visual warning to the PIC at

the GCS if the control link is lost, while the UA enters failsafe mode and either begins to return
to the point of launch
, or autom atically land s , depending upon the PIC’s previous settings. Once

the control link is reestab lished, the PIC wi ll be notified through audible and visual alerts at the

GCS.

A description of the fail

- safe systems of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is attached hereto

as Exhibit B

. Exhibit B contains proprietary information and is to be held in a separate file
pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b).

iv . The Draganflyer GCS And Its Operation.

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the Draganflyer X4

- ES

UAS GCS and flight control software is provided in the Draganflyer GCS User Manual. A copy

of the Draganflyer GCS User Manual , which contains proprietary information, is attached hereto

as Exhibit C , and is to be held in a separate file pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b)

.

b

. Flight Operations Of The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Are Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot i n Command With A Safety Observer.
AgScan will only utilize certificated p ilot s who possess a valid and current a irman

m edical c ertificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.
Additionally, a safety observer will assist all pilots

.23 c . Flight s Of The Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Will B e Conducted Pursuant To S pec ific Operating L imitations.
In seeking this exemption, AgScan proposes to commercially operate the Draganflyer

X4

- ES UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions over rural areas of United

States
, pursuant to the following specific operating limitations:
1) Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the following aircraft described i n the operator’s manual which is a quad rotor aircraft weighing less than 5.5 pounds: Draganflyer X4

- ES Unmanned Aircraft System. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.
2) The UA may not b e flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 26 knots.
3) 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 operator’s manual. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL.
4) The UA must be operated within visual li ne 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.
5) All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). 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. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight.

6) The operato r’s manual and this grant of exemption must be maintained 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 operator’s manual, the condi tions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operator’s manual. The operator may update or revise its operator’s manual. It is the operator’s responsibility to tra ck 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. If the operator determines that any update or revision w ould affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to their exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operator’ s manual.

7) Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure 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 performed24

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.

8) An y UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS opera tion or flight characteristics ( e.g. replacement of a flight critical component ) , must undergo a functional test flight in accordance with the operator’s manual. The PIC who condu cts the functional test flight must make an entry in the UAS aircraft records of the flight. The requirements and procedures for a functional test flight and aircraft record entry must be added to the operator’s manual.
9) The preflight inspection must ac count for all discrepancies, i.e. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not covered in the relevant preflight inspection sections of the operator’s manual.
10) The operator must follow the manufacturer’s UAS aircraft/component, maintenance, overhau l, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements, with particular attention to flight critical components that may not be addressed in the manufacturer’s manuals.

11) AgScan must carry out their maintenance, inspections, and record keeping require ments in accordance with the operator’s manual. Maintenance, inspection, and alterations must be noted in the aircraft logbook, including total flight hours, description of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized UAS technician or PIC return ing the UAS to service.
12) AgScan UAS technicians must receive and document training referenced in the operator’s manual.

1 3 ) Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer System and Safety Bulletins.

1 4 ) AgScan maintenance personnel must make a record entry in the UAS logbook or equivalent document of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

1 5 ) The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and a third

- class airman medi cal certificate. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 C

. F

. R

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

1 6 ) The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless that PIC has demonstrated
, through the training and currency requirements set forth in the operator’s manual, that the PIC is able to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency m aneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.25

1 7 ) 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 (VM C). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

1 8 ) The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of the airport reference point as denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart. The UA may not operate within 3 nautical miles from any city or densely populated area.

20 ) 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.

21 ) 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 and land
, or be recovered in accordance with the operator’s manual.

2 2 ) The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obst acles or emergencies in accordance with the operator’s manual.

2 3 ) The PIC is prohibited from beginning a UAS flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions and assuming normal cruising speed) there is enough power to fly to the first po int of intended landing prior to utilizing battery reserve power.

2 4 ) The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of exemption. This CO A will also require the operator to request issuance of a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.

2 5 ) All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by ser ial number, registered in accordance with 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 47, and have identification (N

Number) markings in accordance with 14 C

. F

. R

. P art 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

2 6 ) Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spec trum used for operation and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

2 7 ) The documents required pursuant to 14 C

. F

. R

. 91.9 and 91.203 must be avail able 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.

2 8 ) The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned aviation operations and activities at all times.

2 9 ) The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.26

30 ) The UA may not be operated over congested or densely populated areas. These areas include but are not limited to the yellow areas depicted on World Aeronautical Charts (WAC), Sectional Aeronautical Charts (Sectionals), or Terminal Area Charts (TAC). Howe ver, aeronautical charts may not reflect pertinent local information. Ultimately, it is the PIC’s responsibility to maintain the minimum safe altitudes required by § 91.119.

31 ) Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipa ting persons (persons other than the PIC or VO), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that

non participating 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, v ehicles or structures where the land owner/controller has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and;

c. operations near the PIC or VO do not present an undue hazard to the PIC or VO, per § 91.119(a).

3 2 ) 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 obta ined prior to the beginning of every flight.

3 3 ) 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 Offic e (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.

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Woul d Not Adversely Affect Safety.
AgScan submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and

(b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS

unless that PIC has demonstrated
, through th e Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS training and currency
requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS in a manner
consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining
appropriate distances from pe ople, vessels, vehicles and structures.27

Considering AgScan ’s proposed a rea of operations
, and the operating limitations set

forth

- above ; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of

commercial pilot requirements ( See Exemption No. 11062 ) ; and the airmanship skills necessary

to safely operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS, AgScan submits that the additional manned
airmanship experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship

skills nec essary for AgScan ’s specific proposed flight operations.
Additionally, t he FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b)
specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g.
Exemption Nos. 11062
, 11063
, 11064
, 11065
, 11066
, 11067
, 11080
, 11109
, 11110
, 11112
, 11136, 11138 ).
As in Exemption No. 11109, AgScan will not allow any PIC to operate the Draganflyer

X4

- ES UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated through the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS training and
currency requirements
, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS in a
manner consistent with this exemption, inc luding evasive and emergency maneuvers and
maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.
A complete description of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS Training and Qualification
requirements is set forth in Exhibit D

. Exhibit D contains proprietary information and is to be
held in a separate file pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.35(b).

3. Reasons Why An Exemption Fr om The Requirements Of Section 91. 7(a) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91. 7(a) will be maintained because
prior to every flight, AgScan will ensure that the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS is in an airworthy

condition based up on the aircraft’s conformity to its type design, including compliance with it s
operating documents (i.e., the Draganflyer X4

- ES User Manual and the Draganflyer System28

Maintenance Manual ), and that the UA is in a condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions

and limitations contained herein

. Notably, t he Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS was the subject of a previous Gran t of Exemption

from Section 91.7(a) (Exemption No. 11109). Additionally, t he FAA has previously granted

relief from Section 91. 7(a) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to
those presen ted herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063 , 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080,

11109, 11110, 11112 , 11136, 11138 ).

4

. Reasons Why An Exemption Fr om The Requirements Of Section 91. 121 Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because

the altitude information of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA will be provided to the PIC via GPS
equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the

G CS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude . This altitude information, combined

with AgScan ’s operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UA within visual line of sight
, at or below
400 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91 .121. The altitude
information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each
flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the UAS.

T he FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in
circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos.

11062
, 11063
, 11064
, 11065
, 11066
, 11067
, 11080
, 11109
, 11112
, 11136, 11138 ).

5

. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151( b ) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.
A grant of this exemption would ensure an equiv a l e nt level of safety established by 14

C.F.R. Section 91.151( b ) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the Draganflyer X4

- ES29

UAS ; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations ; and (3) the location of the proposed
flight operations . Accordingly, AgScan will ensure that it will safely operate the battery
powered Draganflyer X4

- ES UA during daylight hours in VMC conditions, under VFR
, with
enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 15 minutes to the first point of intended
landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least five minutes (i.e., 25

percent battery power remaining )

. Similar to the FAA’s Grant of Exemption No. 11109, AgScan hereby submits that the
technical specifications of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS ; the limitations on the proposed flight
operations ; and the location of the proposed operations, w ill ensure an equivalent level of safety
established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b)

. Furthermore, an equivalent level of safety will be

ensured as the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS provides audible and visual warnings to the PIC at the
GCS when the UA reaches 20 percent and 10 percent of battery power remaining.
Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151
establish that safety is not adversely af fected when the technical characteristics and operating

limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at

less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151 , including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and

10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS
, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos.

8811, 10808, 10673 , 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 110 80
, 11109
, 11110
, 11136, 11138 ).30

6

. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.
In seeking this exemption, AgScan submits that an equivalent level of safety with regard
to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409( a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because AgScan will use

manufacturer trained technicians to perf orm maintenance, alteration s , or preventive maintenance

on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the manufacturer’s

maintenance m anual. Furthermore, AgScan will d ocument and maintain all maintenance records

for the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS.

Since the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will be inspected as prescribed by t he manufacturer’s

m aintenance m anual, AgScan will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Section s
91.405(a)
, 91.409(a)(1)
, and 91.409(a)(2)

. The Draganflyer System Maintenance Manual sets

forth airworthiness requirements for the UA , including preflight inspections , as well as scheduled

maintenance after every three months, every year or 300 f light hours (whichever comes first)
,
and after every 600

- flight hour s

. Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because AgScan will use

manufacturer trained technicians to perform maintenance, alteration s or preventive maintenance

on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by t he manufacturer’s

m aintenance m anual

. The Draganflyer System Maintenance Manual details procedures for
inspection, firmware upgrades, motor testing, and motor replacement.
A complete description of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS maintenance requirements is set

forth in the Draganflyer System Maintenance Manual
, attached hereto as Exhibit E . Exhibit E31

contains proprietary information and is to be held in a sep arate file pursuant to 14 C.F.R. §

11.35(b).

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level o f safety
established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b)
, because a ll maintenance o f the
Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS will be performed by manufacturer trained technicians
, which will

document and maintain maintenance records for the UAS.
Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning the Draganflyer X4

-

ES UAS and Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b)
establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating

limitations of the UAS are considered.

In consideration of AgScan ’s proposed o perating limitations, the Draganflyer X4

- ES

User Manual , and the technical aspects of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS, AgScan submits that
safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption from 14 C

. F

. R . Sections 91.405 (a),

91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2) , 91. 409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b)

. T he FAA has previously granted
relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein
(e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080
, 11109, 11110, 11112
, 11136, 11138 ).

7

. T he FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.

In accordance with Sec tion 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions
, AgScan requests that the FAA
prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS , which
contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety
equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H
, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b),

91.7 (a), 91. 121, 91.151( b ), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), an d 91.417(a) & (b)

.32

Such special conditions will permit AgScan’s safe operation of the UA for the limited purpose of
conducting aerial acquisi tions over certain rural areas of the United States for compensation or

hire

. FMRA Sec tion 333 sets forth the requirem ents for considering whether a UAS will create a

hazard to users of the NAS or the public
, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and
further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in
accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation of the UAS in

the NAS

.
Likewise , the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R.

§ 21.16
, for operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
, since the airworthiness regulations of 14
C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate o r appropriate safety standards
, due to the novel or
unusual design fe atures of the aircraft . Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions , states the
following:
If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or p ropeller because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations.

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16

. Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Sec ti on 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 , the FAA may
prescribe special conditions for AgScan ’s intended operation of the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS
,
which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of
safety equivalent to tha t established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H
, and 14 C.F.R Sections

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 9 1 .121, 91.151( b )
, 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and

91.417(a) & (b)

.33

F. A S ummary That C an Be P ublish ed In T he Federal Register, stating: The Rules From Which AgScan Seeks Exemption:

AgScan, Inc. seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a)&(b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151( b )
, 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b)

. A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption AgScan Seeks:
This exemption will permit AgScan, Inc. to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions and research over certain rural areas of the United States

.
G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support AgScan ’s Request.

This Petition is made p ursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS
may operate safely in the NAS

. As such
, AgScan ’s request for exemption may be granted
pursuant to the authority of FMRA Sec tion 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above.

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the require ments for considering whether a UAS will create

a hazard to users of the NAS or the public
, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and
further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification.

As discussed in detail above
, AgScan will operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS safely in

the NAS
, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS
, or the public
, or otherwise pose a threat
to national security

.
CONCLUSION

As set forth herein
, AgScan 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 Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS commercially
, without an airworthiness certificate
, for

the limi ted purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions over certain ru r al areas of the United States34

for compensation or hire

. By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfill ing the
Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also
advancing the interests of the public
, by allowing AgScan to safely, efficiently, and economically

operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS commercially with in the NAS

.
WHEREFORE , in accordance with the F ederal Aviation Regulations and the FAA

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, AgScan respectfully requests that the
Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151( b )
, 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1 ) & (a)(2), and

91.417(a) & (b)
, and permit AgScan to operate the Draganflyer X4

- ES UAS commercially for
the purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions and research over certain rural areas of the United

States

.
Dated: January 23 , 201 5 Respectfully submitted,

The Aviation Law Firm

/s/ Gregory S. Winton

____________________________ Gregory S. Winton, Esq. Jared M. Allen, Esq. 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Suite 300 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Tel: (301) 294

- 8550 Fax: (866) 568

- 9886 Attorneys for Petitioner

cc: James H. Williams , AFS

- 80 Robert Pappas Dean Griffith, Esq.