PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 1

December 2, 2015

Manager, Flight Standards Service

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office

Federal Aviation Administration

800 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20591

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operation

West Building Ground Floor Room w-12-140

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Petition for Exemption

RE: Petition of South Bay Top 40 for an Exemption under Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and from certain rules of 14 C.F.R.

Dear Sir or Madam:

The following is a Petition for Exemption relating to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 

Act of 2012. Specifically, this Petition for exemption is filed by DMZ Marketing, LLC, on behalf of South 

Bay Top 40 for exemption from certain rules of 14 C.F.R. South Bay Top 40 requests Exemption in an 

effort to be granted permission to operate small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“sUAS”) commercially in 

the United States of America. These operations would be subject to the current rules and regulations, 

not stated herein as rules requested for exemption under Section 333, under the jurisdiction of the 

Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Additionally, all operations will adhere to strict safety rules enforced by South Bay Top 40 within their 

company. These safety rules will be modeled after recommendations made by the FAA and communitybased organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Specific conditions relating to the safe 

operations of sUAS by South Bay Top 40 will be covered in more detail in the documentation to come, 

however basic flight safety parameters often cited by organizations such as the Academy of Model 

Aeronautics will be closely followed, such as operations at low altitudes and adequate distances away 

from airports, heliports, and approach areas to name a few. 

As was established in Huerta v. Pirker, an aircraft is, “any” “device” that is “used for flight.”1

Clearly this broad definition encompasses the types of sUAS the petitioner, South Bay Top 40, plans on 

flying commercially within the United States of America and as such, are governed by the rules of 14 

Petitioner Name: South Bay Top 40 

Petitioner Contact: Michael Miller

Petitioner Phone Number: 310-465-5872

Petitioner Email Address: info@southbaytop40.com

Petitioner Address: 77 - 17th Street

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Document Preparer: DMZ Marketing, LLC.

Contact Person: Zach Fiene

Phone Number: 608-370-2858

Email Address: dmzaerial@gmail.com

Website: www.dmzaerial.com

Address: 1501 Parkview Court

Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 USA
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 2

C.F.R. Due to this, in the following Petition for Exemption and associated documentation, South Bay Top 

40 will establish clear reasoning as to why their particular commercial sUAS flights should be granted 

exemption and why their business should be exempt from certain parameters of 14 C.F.R. 

As has been established by the FAA over the last year, sUAS pilots are allowed to petition for exemption 

from certain aircraft rules that may be inapplicable to sUAS craft or that may place an undue burden on 

a petitioner looking to turn their sUAS hobby into a commercial business. South Bay Top 40 would like 

to request exemption from certain parameters contained in 14 C.F.R. The specific rules for which South 

Bay Top 40 requests exemption will be covered in further detail in the documentation to come, but, in 

summary, South Bay Top 40 looks to be exempt from the types of rules that may limit or otherwise 

prevent their intent of operating sUAS commercially within the United States.

Furthermore, these commercial operations would only be conducted after a granted Section 333 

Exemption and within the outlined conditions below or that may be otherwise highlighted by the 

Federal Aviation Administration in their Exemption Approval Letter. 

With the approval of this exemption, South Bay Top 40 will be allowed to commercially operate their 

sUAS within the United States of America. Specifically, South Bay Top 40 will be allowed to fly 

commercially with the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100.

Furthermore, South Bay Top 40 will be operating their sUAS in furtherance of various applications within 

the following industries; Cinematography and Real Estate. Details of these flight crafts; their manuals, 

safety parameters, operational checklists and more, along with these sUAS flight applications, will be 

expanded upon in more detail below. 

In addition to South Bay Top 40’s Petition for Exemption pertaining to the use of the aforementioned 

aircraft and use-cases, the granting of this Petition will also allow for the commercial operations of sUAS

in Class G Airspace, below 400 feet Above Ground Level (“AGL”), nationwide, or as otherwise granted in 

a Certificate of Authorization (“COA”). To start, South Bay Top 40 will adhere to the blanket Certificate 

of Authorization that is granted to each entity receiving an Exemption Number. This COA currently 

allows for flights nationwide, in Class G Airspace, below 200 feet AGL.2 Further flight areas sought by 

South Bay Top 40 will be applied for through the FAA’s COA Portal. Additionally, with the potential 

hazards and obstacles associated with low-altitude flight, South Bay Top 40 will adhere to the Visual 

Flight Rule (“VFR”) minimums which apply to this airspace. Further details on these operational 

minimums will be discussed in the documentation to come.

The Petition for Exemption below provides details relating to the proposed applications of commercial 

sUAS use by South Bay Top 40. Specifically, South Bay Top 40 seeks exemption in an effort to conduct 

commercial operations within the following industries; Cinematography and Real Estate.

In addition to the variety of Industry applications highlighted above, this Petition for Exemption will also 

cover details on various methods of operation and sensor/imagery types for the various applications. 

Specifically, South Bay Top 40 will incorporate a variety of sensor payloads on its sUAS in an effort to 

capture necessary imagery or data types for each specific application or use-case. Examples of the 

payload technologies used on the sUAS include, but are not limited to; Visible Light Spectrum Imagery, 

Near Infrared (“NIR”) Imagery, Thermal Infrared Imagery, LIDAR, Sensor Technologies, GPS Guidance, 

Photogrammetry, Semi-Autonomous and Autonomous Flight Controllers (For safety), Object Avoidance 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 3

Systems, and more. With the data collected from these various sensor payloads, South Bay Top 40 will 

be able to provide high quality data for representatives from the below-highlighted industries. 

 Cinematography: High resolution video can provide a new perspective of a product for 

potential buyers. By providing an aerial shot to the director of a commercial shoot, 

these video marketers can more effectively represent a company’s product, which in 

turn returns value to that commercial customer and provides for a stronger economy 

through increased demand for products and services.

 Real Estate: High quality, high resolution imagery and aerial cinematography can 

provide a new perspective for an interested home buyer which in turn allows for 

another marketing piece for land developers and real estate agents to move properties 

and thus create a stronger housing market.

The applications highlighted in this petition obviously provide high quality data to a variety of interested 

parties in various industries. However, sUAS have more to provide than just interesting pictures and 

efficient operations. There is also the enhanced safety sUAS provide not only for the operators of these 

systems, but also, the people around them, communities as a whole, and the National Airspace System 

(“NAS”).

Within this Petition for Exemption you will find that the applications highlighted above along with the 

aircraft systems utilized by South Bay Top 40, satisfy the conditions highlighted by the Federal Aviation 

Administration as requirements for a successful Section 333 Exemption Petition.

3

 Specifically, the sUAS

operating in furtherance of the industry applications above should;

1. Provide a benefit to the public as a whole, and;

2. Not adversely affect safety. 

To answer these requirements this Petition for Exemption will highlight the public benefits provided by 

the proposed sUAS operations as well as show the positive affect these operations will have on safety. 

Specifically, it will be shown that the commercial sUAS flights proposed in this Petition further the public 

interest by satisfying what is sometimes referred to as the 3D’s or 4D’s of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle 

(“UAV”) Intervention.

4

 Basically, the “D” list provides a description of situations in which an unmanned 

vehicle should be used in place of a manned aircraft, more clearly, those situations in which an aerial 

operation is going to be; Dull, Dirty, Dangerous, or Deep.

5

 This list is often associated with early military 

applications utilizing UAV’s. The UK Ministry of Defense for example still uses this list in determining the 

role of Unmanned Aircraft, highlighting the importance of Unmanned Systems in times where the 

operation is;

5

 Dull - flights require persistence or repetition.

 Dangerous - flights carry a high degree of risk.

 Dirty - flights must be carried out in hazardous environments, or;

 Deep - flights are beyond the range of tactical-aircraft, manned platforms. 

 

In addition to the justification that will be provided in detail in the pages to come relating to the 4 D’s of 

UAV Intervention and safety attributes of the sUAS Operations proposed in this Petition for Exemption, 

it is also important to quickly consider the aircraft types utilized by South Bay Top 40. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 4

As mentioned above, South Bay Top 40 seeks exemption for the utilization of the DJI Phantom 2, DJI 

Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100. All of these aircraft are small Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems and are battery-powered. Operations conducted by South Bay Top 40 with these sUAS

will adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and Community-Based 

Organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (“AMA”). Through the adherence of these 

guidelines South Bay Top 40 will commercially operate their sUAS with an equivalent level of safety, if 

not superior level of safety, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Section 333 Exemption 

Guidelines. 

Furthermore, the commercial sUAS operations being proposed by South Bay Top 40 in this Petition for 

Exemption would produce far safer methods of data capture than currently-used collection methods in 

which manned aircraft are used. Consider that manned aircraft weigh thousands of pounds, are made 

of metal, are powered by a combustion engine, carry flammable fuel, and are carrying people. Plus, 

with the type of data-capture proposed in this Petition, a manned aircraft would have to operate in 

high-risk situations, including, in close proximity to the ground where the risk of an accident is highest 

and the risk to people and property on the ground is the greatest. Contrasting the two aircraft types, it 

is clear that a plastic, battery powered, unmanned vehicle operating at low altitudes, would be much 

safer than a multi-thousand pound metal aircraft, powered by a combustion engine, and carrying a 

person at low altitudes. 

This fact is further bolstered by the operational and aircraft-specific parameters given by the FAA when 

deciding whether or not to grant Section 333 Exemptions.

6

 These directives include;

1. The size of the aircraft

2. The weight of the aircraft

3. The speed of the aircraft

4. The operational capability of the aircraft

5. The aircraft operation’s proximity to airports

6. The aircraft operation’s proximity to populated areas, and;

7. The aircraft operation’s adherence to Visual Line of Sight Rules

As highlighted above, it is clear that this Petition for Exemption and both the aircraft types and 

applications stated herein, strictly adhere to the operational and aircraft-specific parameters highlighted 

by the FAA for a successful Exemption Petition and thus, support the granting of this Exemption. A 

summary of the reasoning behind this statement can be found below as;

1. All proposed sUAS are Small

2. All proposed sUAS weigh below 55 lbs.

3. All proposed sUAS travel at less than 100 mph (87 Knots)

4. All proposed sUAS are capable flight systems and have been granted Exemptions 

previously

5. All proposed operations will take place at least 5 miles from an Airport

6. All proposed operations will take place in unpopulated areas (Unless prior approval 

is given {See Condition #34 [“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”] below})

7. All proposed operations will adhere to the Visual Line of Sight Rules
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 5

By adhering to the parameters published by the FAA and by promoting the public good through the 

various Industry applications to be highlighted below, this Petition for Exemption on behalf of South Bay 

Top 40 strongly supports the granting of this Exemption.

We kindly ask for your consideration of this Petition for Exemption. Please see the table of contents 

below for all our documentation and for assistance in reviewing this Petition. Thank you for your efforts 

in reviewing this document and we look forward to your response. If you have any questions while 

reviewing this document please do not hesitate to ask. You can contact the Preparer of this document 

for all questions relating to this petition and they can be reached at 1-608-370-2858 or by email at 

dmzaerial@gmail.com. Further contact information can be found at the top of this Petition or on the 

following websites; www.dronefly.com or www.dmzaerial.com. Once again thank you for your efforts in 

reviewing this Petition for Exemption and we look forward to your reply.

Best Regards,

DMZ Marketing, LLC. (DMZ Aerial)

Contact Information

Document Preparer:

DMZ Marketing, LLC.

1501 Parkview Court

Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 USA

Contact: Zach Fiene

Phone: 608-370-2858

Email: dmzaerial@gmail.com

Website: www.dmzaerial.com

Petitioner:

South Bay Top 40

77 - 17th Street

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Michael Miller

310-465-5872

info@southbaytop40.com
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 6

Disclosure

The Petitioner for this exemption is South Bay Top 40, a web design and internet marketing company 

founded in 2002 that provides, first class website design, SEO, Internet marketing, graphic design, as 

well as aerial videography and photography as an added service to its clientele. South Bay Top 40

purchased document preparation services through Dronefly, Inc. for the purpose of petitioning the FAA 

to be allowed to fly their Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems commercially within the United States. 

Dronefly Inc., contracts DMZ Marketing, LLC. also known as DMZ Aerial, to help formulate these 

documents and work with the customer to help promote safe flying practices and appropriate 

operations. This is done through questionnaires, phone conversations, document preparation, training 

module creation, and more. If you have any questions relating to the Petitioner, Dronefly, Inc. or DMZ 

Marketing, LLC. (“DMZ Aerial”), please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact information 

provided above. 

Table of Contents

Petition for Exemption ............................................................................................................................ 1

Contact Information................................................................................................................................ 5

Disclosure................................................................................................................................................ 6

The Applicant.......................................................................................................................................... 9

Commitment to Safety ...................................................................................................................... 10

Experience and Expertise................................................................................................................... 10

Privacy............................................................................................................................................... 11

Publishable Summary............................................................................................................................ 11

Petitioner’s Contact Information ........................................................................................................... 13

Proposed sUAS Operations.................................................................................................................... 13

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems..................................................................................................... 13

DJI Phantom 2................................................................................................................................ 13

DJI Phantom 3 Professional............................................................................................................ 14

DJI Inspire 1 ................................................................................................................................... 14

DJI Matrice 100.............................................................................................................................. 15

Unmanned Flight Crew...................................................................................................................... 15

Unmanned Flight Conditions.............................................................................................................. 16
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 7

Unmanned Flight Operations............................................................................................................. 17

Aircraft and Equivalent Level of Safety................................................................................................... 17

National Security................................................................................................................................... 17

Proposed Conditions of the Exemption.................................................................................................. 18

Exemptions Requested & Applicable Conditions/Reasoning................................................................... 24

14 C.F.R 21(h): Airworthiness Certificates.......................................................................................... 24

14 C.F.R. 27: Airworthiness Standards - Normal Category Rotorcraft.................................................. 24

14 C.F.R. 43.7: Authorized Maintenance/Repair/Alteration Personnel ............................................... 24

14 C.F.R. 43.11: Dispositions of Records for Inspections..................................................................... 25

14 C.F.R. 45.11: Making of Products................................................................................................... 25

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b): Display of Marks; General..................................................................................... 25

14 C.F.R. 45.27: Marking of the Aircraft – Rotorcraft.......................................................................... 26

14 C.F.R. 45.29: Size of Marks............................................................................................................ 26

14 C.F.R. 61.3: Requirement for Certificates, Ratings, and Authorizations.......................................... 26

14 C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c): Medical Certificates – Requirements and Duration.................................... 27

14 CFR 61.101(e) (4) and (5): Recreational Pilot Privileges and Limitations......................................... 28

14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations – Pilot In Command.......................... 29

14 C.F.R. 61.315(a)(c): Privileges and Limits of Sport Pilot’s License ................................................... 29

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness..................................................................................... 33

14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual................................................................................. 33

14 C.F.R. 91.9(c): Civil Aircraft Marking, Placards ............................................................................... 34

14 C.F.R. 91.103: Preflight Action....................................................................................................... 34

14 C.F.R. 91.105: Flight Crewmembers at Stations............................................................................. 35

14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight Instruction .................................................................................................... 35

14 C.F.R. 91.113(b): Right-of-Way Rules............................................................................................. 37

14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes ......................................................................................... 37

14 C.F.R. 91.121: Altimeter Settings................................................................................................... 38

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for VFR Flight Conditions...................................................... 40

14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) and (b): Civil Aircraft – Certifications Required..................................................... 40

14 C.F.R. 215: ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use ..................................... 41

14 C.F.R. 91.403: General................................................................................................................... 42

14 C.F.R. 91.405(a): Maintenance Required ....................................................................................... 43

14 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1): Operation after Maintenance or Alteration .................................................... 43
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 8

14 C.F.R. 409(a)(1) and (2): Inspections.............................................................................................. 44

14 C.F.R. 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance Records............................................................................. 44

Privacy .................................................................................................................................................. 45

Public Interest and Safety...................................................................................................................... 46

Cinematography ............................................................................................................................ 47

Real Estate..................................................................................................................................... 49

Regulations Requested for Exemption................................................................................................... 51

Appendix 1: Regulations Requested for Exemption – List................................................................... 51

Exhibit List............................................................................................................................................. 51

Exhibit 1: South Bay Top 40 Operations Manual................................................................................. 51

Exhibit 2: South Bay Top 40 Logbook Example ................................................................................... 51

Exhibit 3: South Bay Top 40 Visual Observer Training Procedures & Guide......................................... 52

Visual Observer Training Procedures.............................................................................................. 52

Visual Observer Training Guide ...................................................................................................... 52

Exhibit 4: South Bay Top 40 Pilot In Command Training Guide ........................................................... 52

Pilot In Command Training Procedures.......................................................................................... 52

Pilot in Command Training Guide................................................................................................... 52

Exhibit 5: DJI Phantom 2.................................................................................................................... 53

Exhibit 6: DJI Phantom 2 User Manual ............................................................................................... 53

Exhibit 7: DJI Phantom 2 Quick Start Guide........................................................................................ 53

Exhibit 8: DJI Phantom 2 Features...................................................................................................... 53

Exhibit 9: DJI Phantom 2 Specifications.............................................................................................. 53

Exhibit 10: DJI Phantom 2 Flight Controller User Manual ................................................................... 53

Exhibit 11: DJI Phantom 2 Smart Battery Safety Manual..................................................................... 53

Exhibit 12: DJI Phantom 2 Pilot Training Guide................................................................................... 54

Exhibit 13: DJI Phantom 3 Professional .............................................................................................. 54

Exhibit 14: DJI Phantom 3 Professional User Manual.......................................................................... 54

Exhibit 15: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide .................................................................. 54

Exhibit 16: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Features................................................................................ 54

Exhibit 17: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Specifications........................................................................ 54

Exhibit 18: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Flight Controller System ........................................................ 54

Exhibit 19: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Smart Battery Manual ........................................................... 55

Exhibit 20: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Safety/Preflight Checklist and Guidelines Training ................. 55
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 9

Exhibit 21: DJI Inspire 1...................................................................................................................... 55

Exhibit 22: DJI Inspire 1 User Manual................................................................................................. 55

Exhibit 23: DJI Inspire 1 Quick Start Guide.......................................................................................... 55

Exhibit 24: DJI Inspire 1 Features ....................................................................................................... 55

Exhibit 25: DJI Inspire 1 Specifications................................................................................................ 55

Exhibit 26: DJI Inspire 1 Flight Controller System................................................................................ 55

Exhibit 27: DJI Inspire 1 Smart Battery Manual................................................................................... 56

Exhibit 28: DJI Matrice 100 ................................................................................................................ 56

Exhibit 29: DJI Matrice 100 User Manual............................................................................................ 56

Exhibit 30: DJI Matrice 100 Features.................................................................................................. 56

Exhibit 31: DJI Matrice 100 Specifications.......................................................................................... 56

Exhibit 32: DJI Matrice 100 Smart Battery Manual ............................................................................. 56

References............................................................................................................................................ 56

Exemption References........................................................................................................................... 58

The Applicant

The Applicant seeking this Exemption is South Bay Top 40, headquartered at; 

77 - 17th Street

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Southbaytop40 is a web design and internet marketing company that provides aerial videography and 

photography as an added service to its clientele. It has been in business since 2002 offering first class 

website design, SEO, internet marketing and graphic design services. Southbaytop 40 is a company that 

has always been innovative and it is for this reason that the business has recently explored the use of 

UAV systems as a means of marketing for their established client-base. With more and more internet 

marketing transitioning to visual media as opposed to text, it is important for a company like 

Southbaytop40 to utilize tools that can help provide the types of visual media needed in the current 

market-place. Additionally, with rise of WordPress and the various plugins and widgets available to 

internet marketers, it is vital to have stunning content that can be placed throughout a website, 

whether it be backdrop videos, high resolution photography, or the like. 

To provide these types of content, Southbaytop40 has begun exploring the use of UAVs to capture aerial 

imagery for clients. The founder of the company, Michael Miller, has utilized UAVs in the past for 

hobby-filming friends surfing, however, he sees an opportunity in capturing aerial imagery for 

commercial clients. To capture this opportunity, Mr. Miller has taken the necessary steps to begin the 

process of commercializing his UAV. First, he has begun the Section 333 Exemption Process and through 

this petition hopes to be given an exemption number so that he can start commercializing his drone 

services. Additionally, Mr. Miller recently signed up with a flight school in order to obtain his private 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 10

pilot's license so that he is ready to fly as soon as he is granted an exemption number. Mr. Miller has 

already begun classes and is currently on track to obtain his license in the next few months. Mr. Miller is 

currently attending flight school at South Bay Aviation Inc., a flight school located at 3481 Airport Drive 

Site. 100, in Torrance, CA (90505). More information about this flight school can be found at 

www.southbayaviation.com.

Commitment to Safety

Southbaytop40 is committed to safety, not only for the flight crew at South Bay Top 40 but also to the 

national airspace system and to people and property on the ground. With the founder of South Bay Top 

40 recently attending flight school and starting his track to become a licensed private pilot, it can be 

seen that Mr. Miller is committed to taking the proper steps to become a commercial UAV pilot. The 

knowledge he is gaining currently as a student at South Bay Aviation is giving him a wealth of 

information on the types of safety practices necessary to successfully operate in the National Airspace 

System. With this knowledge, Mr. Miller will know how the airspace system works and will be better 

suited to operate his current hobby-drone in a commercial manner.

Furthermore, it should also be noted that in situations in which Mr. Miller is not available to fly as the 

Pilot In Command, he will employ someone who has the correct licenses and qualifications.

Experience and Expertise

South Bay Top 40 has been in business since 2002 and has significant expertise in the online, internet 

marketing space. Additionally, the founder of the company, Michael Miller, has 20 years of web design 

and online internet marketing experience in the Los Angels small business market. This experience has 

provided Michael with a wealth of knowledge and foresight in the internet marketing marketspace. In 

particular, Mr. Miller has been able to see market trends and understand how to capitalize on emerging 

trends in order to stay in business. His 20 year marketing career is a testament to that fact and shows 

his ability to see opportunities and seize them. Plus, with South Bay Top 40 and Mr. Miller's highly 

creative and innovative mindset, the business has been able to capture the essence of many small 

businesses which has allowed those businesses to obtain more customers and stick out in highly 

competitive marketspaces. 

Mr. Miller sees a new emerging trend in internet marketing and that is the utilization of visual media, 

such as high resolution photography and video. One of the many new tools to capture this type of 

imagery is the UAV. Mr. Miller's past experience as a hobbyist flyer of UAV systems has shown him the 

quality of the video and pictures he can capture and the unique vantage points a UAV can provide. In 

fact, Mr. Miller has owned over 10 different hobbyist UAV systems over the past few years and has 

gained significant UAV flying experience across these diverse group of aircraft. 

It has been clear to Mr. Miller over the past few years as a hobbyist pilot that UAV imagery and the 

services of capturing it, could be commercialized and it is for this reason that he is taking all the 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 11

necessary steps, including filing this petition and going to flight school, in order to commercialize his 

UAV system. Moving forward, Mr. Miller hopes to provide safe and useful imagery to his customers and 

do it legally under a granted Section 333 Exemption and appropriate private pilot's license.

Privacy

In terms of privacy, South Bay Top 40 will always ask permission before flying any missions that 

reasonably require consent from a participating or non-participating party. Furthermore, South Bay Top 

40 will securely encrypt videos and use tracking devices on all drones used in case of crash. Currently 

Southbaytop40 uses various tracking systems from DJI, Flytrex, and others.

Publishable Summary

DMZ Marketing, LLC. files this petition for exemption on behalf of South Bay Top 40, a web design and 

internet marketing company founded in 2002 that provides, first class website design, SEO, Internet 

marketing, graphic design, as well as aerial videography and photography as an added service to its 

clientele. South Bay Top 40 is seeking exemption from certain parameters of 14 C.F.R. in order to 

commercially operate sUAS within the United States in the following industries; Cinematography and 

Real Estate.

Specifically, South Bay Top 40 requests exemption from the following Federal Aviation Administration 

rules;

1. 14 C.F.R 21(h): Airworthiness Certificates

2. 14 C.F.R. 27: Airworthiness Standards - Normal Category Rotorcraft

3. 14 C.F.R. 43.7: Authorized Maintenance/Repair/Alteration Personnel

4. 14 C.F.R. 43.11: Dispositions of Records for Inspections

5. 14 C.F.R. 45.11: Making of Products

6. 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b): Display of Marks; General

7. 14 C.F.R. 45.27: Marking of the Aircraft – Rotorcraft

8. 14 C.F.R. 45.29: Size of Marks

9. 14 CFR 61.3: Requirement for Certificates, Ratings, and Authorizations

10. 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c): Medical Certificates – Requirements and Duration

11. 14 CFR 61.101(e) (4) and (5): Recreational Pilot Privileges and Limitations

12. 14 CFR 61.113(a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations – Pilot In Command

13. 14 C.F.R. 61.315(a): Privileges and Limits of Sport Pilot’s License

14. 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

15. 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual

16. 14 C.F.R. 91.9(c): Civil Aircraft Marking, Placards 

17. 14 C.F.R. 91.103: Preflight Action

18. 14 C.F.R. 91.105: Flight Crewmembers at Stations
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 12

19. 14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight Instruction

20. 14 C.F.R. 91.113(b): Right-of-Way Rules 

21. 14 C.F.R. 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

22. 14 C.F.R. 91.121: Altimeter Settings

23. 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for VFR Flight Conditions

24. 14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) and (b): Civil Aircraft – Certifications Required 

25. 14 C.F.R. 215: ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use

26. 14 C.F.R. 91.403: General

27. 14 C.F.R. 91.405(a): Maintenance Required

28. 14 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1): Operation after Maintenance or Alteration

29. 14 C.F.R. 409(a)(1) and (2): Inspections

30. 14 C.F.R. 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance Records

The approval of this Petition for Exemption would allow for the commercial operation of small 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems by South Bay Top 40. These commercial operations would strictly adhere to 

all Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations not stated herein as rules requested for 

exemption. The commercial operations flown by South Bay Top 40, if this Petition were granted, would 

be flown utilizing one of the following aircraft platforms; the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 Professional, 

DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100. Specifically, the commercial operations utilizing these unmanned 

aircraft would center around the following industry applications; Cinematography and Real Estate.

Additionally, all the industry applications highlighted above would include one or more of the unmanned 

aircraft noted above, flying no more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (“AGL”) or in airspace otherwise 

specified in a granted Certificate of Authorization (“COA”). 

Furthermore, this Petition for Exemption should be granted to South Bay Top 40 because the operation 

of the listed sUAS above will provide for commercial operations while maintaining an equivalent level of 

safety as would be provided by the above-listed rules. Additionally, as will be highlighted below, the small 

Unmanned Aircraft utilized by South Bay Top 40 will provide methods of aerial data collection far safer 

than the alternative of manned aircraft collection of the same data sets. Low altitude data-collection 

flights, in close proximity to people and property, are far safer when accomplished using a batterypowered sUAS weighing less than 10 lbs., than with a combustion-engine-powered, multi-thousand 

pound, manned aircraft, with flammable fuel onboard. 

Considering the seven factors highlighted by the FAA as parameters for successful Section 333 Exemption 

Petitions, including; Size, Weight, Speed, Operational Capability, Proximity to Airports, Proximity to 

Populated Areas, and Operations within Visual Line of Sight,

6

this Petition supports the Petitioner’s 

request for exemption relating to each operational and aircraft-specific parameter. Specifically, the 

aircraft utilized by South Bay Top 40 are in the small-size category as they are below the 55 lbs. weight 

class, they travel at less than 100 mph, they are proven flight platforms based on previously granted 

petitions, all operations will be conducted at least 5 miles from an airport and over unpopulated areas 

(unless otherwise granted permission by the FAA in a granted Certificate of Authorization), and all flights 

will be conducted within Visual Line of Sight. 

In addition, the data collection flights provided by the sUAS highlighted in this Petition will promote safer 

operations for professional service providers in the aforementioned industries. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 13

Petitioner’s Contact Information

Petitioner: 

South Bay Top 40

Southbaytop40

Michael Miller

77 - 17th Street

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

310-465-5872

info@southbaytop40.com

Document Preparer:

DMZ Marketing, LLC.

1501 Parkview Court

Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 USA

Contact: Zach Fiene

Phone: 608-370-2858

Email: dmzaerial@gmail.com

Website: www.dmzaerial.com

Proposed sUAS Operations

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This Petition for Exemption under Section 333 will permit the Petitioner to operate the DJI Phantom 2, 

DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100. Further operating characteristics, 

specifications, and other important craft-specific information on the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 

Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100 are covered in detail starting with Exhibit 5. Each of 

these documents are publically circulated and have been previously vetted by the FAA in previously

granted Petitions for Exemption under Section 333. In the aircraft summaries below, please see the 

references to previously granted petitions for the use of each specific aircraft type in commercial 

operations within the United States. 

DJI Phantom 2

The requested exemption will permit the Petitioner the right to use the DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter for 

commercial use within the United States of America and under the strict adherence of FAA Guidelines, 

ATO-Issued COA’s, and the like. The DJI Phantom 2 has a maximum take-off weight of 1300 grams 

including technical payloads and batteries. Furthermore this quadcopter is capable of a max flight speed 

of 15 meters per second and has the following abilities; 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 14

 Vertical Take-Off

 Vertical Landing

 Hover-Hold Position

 Simultaneous Vertical & Horizontal Movement

 Maximum Flight Speed Abilities in every lateral direction

For easy reviewing, please see the Phantom 2-Specific Exhibits below for more information on the DJI 

Phantom 2 craft, its specifications, abilities, and more. Additionally, please consider the FAA’s previous 

review of these exhibits and granting of Petitions using these supporting documents for the commercial 

use of the DJI Phantom 2 in the following listed Exemption;

 Marco Zvanik – Ventus Wind, LLC. – Exemption No. 11398

DJI Phantom 3 Professional

The requested exemption will permit the Petitioner the right to use the DJI Phantom 3 Professional 

Quadcopter for commercial use within the United States of America and under the strict adherence of 

FAA Guidelines, ATO-Issued COA’s, and the like. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional has a weight of 1280 

grams including propellers and batteries. Furthermore, this quadcopter is capable of a max flight speed 

of 16 meters per second and has the following abilities; 

 Vertical Take-Off

 Vertical Landing

 Hover-Hold Position

 Simultaneous Vertical & Horizontal Movement

 Maximum Flight Speed Abilities in every lateral direction

For easy reviewing, please see the Phantom 3 Professional-Specific Exhibits below for more information 

on the DJI Phantom 3 Professional craft, its specifications, abilities, and more. Additionally, please 

consider the FAA’s previous review of these exhibits and granting of Petitions using these supporting 

documents for the commercial use of the DJI Phantom 3 Professional in the following listed Exemption;

 Jeffery Greer – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Exemption Number 11587/11587A

DJI Inspire 1

The requested exemption will permit the Petitioner the right to use the DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter for 

commercial use within the United States of America and under the strict adherence of FAA Guidelines, 

ATO-Issued COA’s, and the like. The DJI Inspire 1 has a weight of 2935 grams including the battery 

payload. Furthermore, this quadcopter is capable of a max flight speed of 22 meters per second and has 

the following abilities; 

 Vertical Take-Off

 Vertical Landing
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 15

 Hover-Hold Position

 Simultaneous Vertical & Horizontal Movement

 Maximum Flight Speed Abilities in every lateral direction

For easy reviewing, please see the Inspire-Specific Exhibits below for more information on the DJI Inspire 

1 craft, its specifications, abilities, and more. Additionally, please consider the FAA’s previous review of 

these exhibits and granting of Petitions using these supporting documents for the commercial use of the 

DJI Inspire 1 in the following listed Exemptions;

 Jeffery Greer – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Exemption Number 11587/11587A

 Phillip Stiles – GPS Development, LLC dba SkyViewHD – Exemption Number 11399/11399A

DJI Matrice 100

The requested exemption will permit the Petitioner the right to use the DJI Matrice 100 Quadcopter for 

commercial use within the United States of America and under the strict adherence of FAA Guidelines, 

ATO-Issued COA’s, and the like. The DJI Matrice 100 has a maximum take-off weight of 3400 grams 

including technical payloads and batteries. Furthermore, this quadcopter is capable of a max flight 

speed of 22 meters per second and has the following abilities; 

 Vertical Take-Off

 Vertical Landing

 Hover-Hold Position

 Simultaneous Vertical & Horizontal Movement

 Maximum Flight Speed Abilities in every lateral direction

For easy reviewing, please see Matrice 100-Specific Exhibits below for more information on the DJI 

Matrice 100 craft, its specifications, abilities, and more. Additionally, please consider the FAA’s previous 

review of these exhibits and granting of Petitions using these supporting documents for the commercial 

use of the DJI Matrice 100 in the following listed Exemption;

 Dan Pham – Alert5 International, LLC. – Exemption Number 11814

Unmanned Flight Crew

The unmanned flight crew operating South Bay Top 40 flight crafts for purposes of commercial 

operations within the United States under this proposed Exemption will consist of a Pilot In Command 

(“PIC”) and a Visual Observer (“VO”). 

Adhering to current FAA guidelines and precedent established in previously granted Section 333 

Exemptions, the PIC will have, at minimum, a Recreational or Sport Pilot’s License and a Third Class 

Medical Certificate or a valid U.S. Driver’s License.

7

 Additionally, both the PIC and VO will be trained in 

the operation of sUAS prior to commercial operations. Furthermore, any new information surrounding 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 16

the aircraft’s efficient, effective, or safe operations, will be disseminated by South Bay Top 40 to both 

the PIC and VO to ensure continued safe flights.

On top of the general sUAS training, the PIC will also have completed, at a minimum, 25 hours of sUAS 

flight training with the specific sUAS craft they are using for their commercial operation and will be 

required to receive annual continued education and training moving forward. A specific PIC Training 

Presentation is contained in the exhibits below and will accompany this Petition for Exemption.

The Visual Observer will also have completed specific training relating to their duties during an 

unmanned flight. The training procedures that will be used to educate VO’s are contained in the 

Exhibits below. 

Unmanned Flight Conditions

As has been described above, the sUAS use proposed by the Petitioner in this Petition for Exemption 

under Section 333 revolves around the following industries; Cinematography and Real Estate. Each of 

these industry applications will be described in further detail below under the “Unmanned Flight 

Operations” Title. 

Moving on from the specific use-cases, it should also be noted that all commercial sUAS flights proposed 

in this Petition for Exemption will be conducted below 400 feet AGL or as otherwise permitted in a 

granted Certificate of Authorization. Furthermore, all flights will be conducted within Visual Line of 

Sight, as is currently advised by the Federal Aviation Administration and Academy of Model 

Aeronautics.

6

 Additionally, the PIC will only operate the Petitioner’s sUAS if weather conditions permit 

safe operations. The judgement of “Safe Weather Conditions” will be determined based on several 

standing classifications developed by the Federal Aviation Administration. These include operations 

being conducted under the Visual Meteorological Conditions (“VMC”) rules. 

As stated previously in this Petition, South Bay Top 40 will strictly adhere to the FAA’s Visual Flight Rules, 

and obviously, to be following Visual Flight Rules, South Bay Top 40 will have to first satisfy the Visual 

Meteorological Conditions associated with VFR flights. In particular, the Petitioner will be cognizant of 

the boundary between Visual Meteorological Conditions, which allow for Visual Flight Rules, and 

Instrument Meteorological Conditions, which require Instrument use. Specifically, South Bay Top 40 will 

be considering the VMC Minima pertaining to Visibility, Cloud Ceilings, and Cloud Clearances associated 

with airspace below 400 feet AGL, where the Petitioner’s sUAS will be flying. Thus, the Petitioner will 

only operate when visibility is at least 3 statute miles from the PIC and at a minimum of 500 feet below 

and 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud.

8

In addition to the particular flight conditions stated above, it should also be noted that the flight crew 

will always make an assessment of the current situation for each, specific flight. This assessment will 

conclude with a determination of the relative safety of the flight and any risks or hazards that may be 

present. If this assessment finds that the flight will be too dangerous or that there are too many hazards 

or risks associated with the flight, the flight crew will not take off. Furthermore, in order to maintain the 

safety of the general public, flight operations utilizing the Petitioner’s sUAS will only take place after 

permission is granted to the Petitioner by the landowner, property owner, or other controlling 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 17

representative. All current FAA regulations not covered within this petition will be followed as well as all 

local and state rules surrounding flights near or around people. Additional information on the 

parameters dictating flights near people can be found below in the “Proposed Conditions of the 

Exemption.”

Unmanned Flight Operations

When conducting commercial flight operations under the proposed applications in this Petition for 

Exemption, a commitment to safety will always be paramount. Additionally, with the goal of each flight 

to accurately collect valuable aerial data in an efficient manner, it will be vital for all flights to be safe for 

several reasons, including;

 The safety of the South Bay Top 40 Flight Crew will be necessary for continued flights.

 The safety of the general public will be necessary for continued operations.

 The safety of the aircraft will be necessary for continued commercial endeavors.

Furthermore, in an effort to supply the Cinematography and Real Estate industries with valuable data, it 

will be imperative for all South Bay Top 40 flights to be conducted in a safe and professional manner so 

as to not risk the safety of the flight crew, general public, or aircraft as well as to avoid damaging people 

or property operating in the National Airspace System or on the ground below. 

To ensure the safe and professional execution of each sUAS flight, all flights will be conducted utilizing at 

least a two person flight crew. This flight crew will consist of an adequately-trained (“Unmanned Flight 

Crew”) PIC and VO. For specifics pertaining to the standard operating procedures utilized by the 

Petitioner under the proposed Petition for Exemption and for more details on training, please see 

Exhibits 1-4. 

Aircraft and Equivalent Level of Safety

As is stated in the FAA’s Section 333 Exemption Guidelines, Petitioners for Exemption must show that 

their proposed commercial, sUAS operations provide a level of safety at least equal to that provided by 

the rule from which the Petitioner seeks an exemption.

6

 As will be highlighted below, the request for 

this Exemption by the Petitioner is fortified by its commitment to safety. Furthermore, the operation of 

sUAS by the Petitioner, using the previously stated flight crafts and operating within the above-stated 

use-cases under the rules, regulations, and limitations stated herein, should be permitted under the 

proposed exemption. Reasoning for this can be derived from the strict adherence to existing regulations 

from the Federal Aviation Administration as well as the adoption of the following conditions; each 

providing at least an equivalent level of safety as is provided by the existing rule.

National Security

 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 18

In addition to the arguments supporting the Petitioner’s exemption from certain rules contained in 14 

C.F.R., it is also important to note that the granting of this petition and in turn, permission for the 

Petitioner to conduct commercial sUAS flights, will not present a national security threat. As has been 

stated in this Petition, and, as is precedent from the Federal Aviation Administration, the PIC of a sUAS

must hold, at minimum, a Recreational or Sport Pilot’s Certificate, meaning he or she has already been 

subject to a security screening by the Department of Homeland Security.9 

This provision, relating to the acquisition of a Recreational or Sport Pilot’s Certificate, points to checks 

already provided by the FAA and Department of Homeland Security in ensuring secure aircraft 

operations. As is stated by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, the Transportation Security 

Administration (“TSA”) must assess information in order to identify individuals that may pose a threat to 

transportation security and coordinate countermeasures with other Federal Agencies such as the FAA. 

Therefore, due to the fact it is a requirement for all PICs to be at least Recreational or Sport Pilot 

Certified, it can be assumed that adequate security checks by the TSA and FAA have taken place prior to 

a sUAS Pilot conducting commercial operations. 

Proposed Conditions of the Exemption

As is noted by the Federal Aviation Administration in their, “Section 333 Petition Guidance & Checklist,”

3

Section 333 Exemption Petitioners are strongly advised to, “Carefully review the Conditions and 

Limitations Section in the most recently granted exemptions.”3 Due to this, the following Conditions of 

the proposed Exemption closely follow this guidance and mirror many of the same conditions previously 

noted by other exemption petitioners. The following list will highlight these conditions and establish a 

framework from which the petitioner, South Bay Top 40, will conduct their commercial sUAS operations 

under a granted petition for exemption. 

1. Proposed operations using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the United States under the 

granted form of this Petition for Exemption will be limited to the following aircraft, which all 

weigh less than 55 pounds including batteries and operational/technical payloads; DJI Phantom 

2, DJI Phantom 3 Professional, DJI Inspire 1, and DJI Matrice 100.

Furthermore, any aircraft outside of this comprehensive list for this Petition for Exemption will 

have to be added to an amended version of this petition or a new Petition for Exemption must 

be filed with the new flight platform(s).

2. The proposed use-cases/applications contained within this Petition for Exemption under Section 

333 are as follows; Cinematography and Real Estate.

All of these flights will take place below 400 feet AGL nationwide unless otherwise advised in an 

ATO-issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization. 

3. All flights conducted by South Bay Top 40 will be below 400 feet AGL, operated within Visual 

Line of Sight, and have a live, GPS-based, read-out of altitude during the flight. Furthermore, 

each flight will begin with a “Zero Altitude” start point, thus creating an accurate AGL 

calculation. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 19

4. All flights conducted by the Petitioner will be controlled by a trained flight crew consisting of a 

licensed (at minimum Recreational or Sport Pilot’s Certificate) PIC with a Medical Certificate or 

equivalent valid U.S.A. Driver’s license and a trained Visual Observer.

5. All flights conducted by the Petitioner will include aircraft that are flying below the 87 knot (100 

mph) airspeed maximum, highlighted by the FAA in their guidelines. 

6. All flights conducted by South Bay Top 40 will be conducted within Visual Line of Sight, during 

daytime flying hours, and adhere to Visual Flight Rules under the Visual Meteorological 

Conditions associated with 400 foot AGL airspace. 

7. The Petitioner will not allow any PIC to operate a sUAS unless the PIC meets the qualification 

standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (i.e. Minimum - Sport Pilot’s Certificate and 

Medical or U.S.A. Driver’s License) and by the safety guidelines and operational capabilities 

relating to safe sUAS operations, such as;

a. Evasive Maneuvers

b. Emergency Actions

c. Fail-Safe Knowledge

d. Flight Skills

i. Maintaining adequate distances from;

1. People

2. Property

3. Structures

4. Etc.

8. PIC qualification flight hours will be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. 61.51(b). 

Additionally, a record of the PIC training will be documented and made available upon request 

by the Administrator. 

9. Training operations will only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, 

all persons not essential for flight operations will be deemed nonparticipants, and thus, the PIC 

will operate the aircraft with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 

C.F.R. 91.119. 

10. As highlighted by the FAA, the Visual Observer’s duty is to visually observe the relevant airspace 

for aircraft, hazards, obstacles, structures, or the like. For this reason, the VO will not be 

allowed to operate the camera or other instruments on the sUAS during flight operations. 

Instead, a third person will have to serve as a camera operator if the flight crew seeks a 

dedicated pilot and dedicated camera operator. 

11. The PIC, for the duration of an unmanned flight, will be named prior to the flight. Due to this, 

once the PIC is named and a flight is begun, the PIC will not be able to transfer his/her 

designation as the PIC, through the duration of the flight. Furthermore, the PIC is the Captain of 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 20

the flight crew and will ensure that the Visual Observer is qualified to hold the VO position for 

the duration of the flight. 

12. Each commercial sUAS flight performed by South Bay Top 40 will be planned for ahead of the 

flight date. This will be to ensure adequate time for all participants to prepare and to obtain all 

the necessary permissions (landowners, homeowners, property owners, etc.) if any are needed. 

All flights will be preceded by a meeting at least one day before the flight at which all 

participants of the flight will be present. This is to ensure adequate knowledge and 

preparedness prior to the sUAS flight. 

13. Aircraft maintenance is obviously vital for any commercial sUAS operation. It ensures safety and 

is necessary prior to each flight to maintain safe, efficient, and effective flight operations. Once 

again, the PIC, as the captain of the flight crew, will take a leading role in inspecting the aircraft 

prior to flight. The PIC will likely have the most experience of anyone on the flight crew and will 

be in tune with the specific maintenance needs of each specific flight craft. If the PIC were to 

find an error in the flight craft or any of the associated systems, including the Ground Control 

System for example, he/she would ground the flight until adequate maintenance is completed 

and the aircraft is once again safe to fly. All maintenance on flight crafts utilized by the 

Petitioner will be noted and logged to ensure the safety of all aircraft and the people operating 

them. 

14. Relating to the above Condition, anytime a flight-critical component is replaced or anytime 

there is mission-critical maintenance on the craft, the PIC will conduct a flight test of the system 

before completing the intended, commercial mission. Once again this flight test will be logged 

by the PIC. 

15. Routine maintenance and inspections of the sUAS will be logged by the PIC in accordance with 

the requirements and suggestions laid out by the aircraft manufacturer in terms of aircraft 

component maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limits, which are part of 

the supporting documents for each aircraft below in the aircraft-specific exhibits. The logging of 

these maintenance/inspection checks will be included in the aircraft records and include the 

total time of service and description of work. 

16. All sUAS flights will be conducted within Visual Line of Sight (“VLOS”) of both the PIC and VO at 

all times. Furthermore, VLOS means visual observance unaided by any device other than 

corrective lenses such as eye glasses or contacts. The use of telescopes, FPV systems (for 

purposes of VLOS flights), binoculars, and the like will not be permitted. Also, both the PIC and 

VO should be in constant, verbal communication range. The use of other devices to 

communicate out of verbal range are not permitted. These devices would include, cell phones, 

text messaging, walky-talkies, and the like. 

17. No commercial flight missions will be executed unless it can be determined that the flight crew 

can complete their mission from take-off through landing, with a reserve of 25% battery life. 

The Petitioner’s newest flight crafts have adaptive battery monitors and, for this reason, this 

condition will be an automated process as the Petitioner can set the default Advisory and 

Critical Battery warnings to 35% and 30% respectively, which will warn the PIC of the depleted 

battery and engage him/her to fly home and land with 25% remaining power. For all South Bay 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 21

Top 40 systems without this automated feature, a watch will be used to monitor flight times to 

ensure a safe return home with adequate battery power. However, due to the revolving 

adoption of the newest flight platforms and the current stock of new generation flight crafts, the 

overwhelming majority of sUAS flights after the granting of this exemption will utilize a Smart 

Battery System. 

18. In the case of an unexpected obstacle or in-flight issue, each sUAS the Petitioner operates will 

have the ability to abort a mission and take corrective actions. 

19. The sUAS utilized by South Bay Top 40 will be programmed so that if the sUAS loses signal with 

the PIC or Ground Control Station during flight, the system will return to a preprogrammed GPS 

location located within the operating area containing the flight crew. Furthermore, this failsafe 

can also be used in controlled situations, meaning the failsafe will be able to be engaged should 

something happen on the ground that disallows the PIC from bringing the sUAS back in a normal 

fashion. Additionally, in both situations described above, where the failsafe is either a 

controlled action from the pilot or an uncontrolled situation, like radio-link signal loss, the unit 

will not only fly back to its preprogrammed home point, it also has the ability to land itself. This 

allows safe operations of the aircraft even in troublesome situations, such as signal loss, and 

prevents the unit from flying off uncontrollably or landing in an unknown location. 

20. The operating documents required under 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 will be maintained and 

available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the aircraft anytime the sUAS is operating. 

Furthermore, these documents will be available for review by the Administrator or other law 

enforcement officials upon request and are additionally contained in Exhibit 1, with appropriate 

links to the specific flight manuals of each flight craft requested in this Petition for Exemption. 

21. It is always important to specify precedent when determining operating practices. For this 

reason, if a discrepancy exists between the conditions laid out in this Petition for Exemption and 

the actual Granted Exemption, the conditions laid out in the finalized Granted Exemption will 

take precedent over the conditions laid out in this Petition. Furthermore, if there are no 

discrepancies between the Petition and Grant of Exemption, the Petitioner will follow the 

procedures outlined in the Operating Documentation below. Additionally, if any changes are 

made to the Operating Procedures and Documentation contained in this Petition for Exemption, 

the Petitioner will present the updated documents upon request from the Administrator. Also,

should the Petitioner determine that an update or change to the procedures or documentation 

would affect the basis of the approved version of this Petition for Exemption, the Petitioner will 

either file for an amendment to the existing Exemption or create a new Petition with the 

revisions. 

22. As has been noted, the Petitioner will obtain written and/or oral permission from the 

landowners, farmers, property owners, or otherwise authorized agents for flights above their 

property. 

23. The Petitioner will also obtain all required permissions and permits from territorial, state, 

county or city jurisdictions, including;

a. Law Enforcement
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 22

b. Fire Departments

c. Municipal Agencies, or;

d. Other Appropriate Governmental Bodies 

24. The Petitioner will not conduct operations at night. Furthermore, all operations will be 

conducted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (“VMC”).

25. The Petitioner is aware of the need to obtain an Air Traffic Organization (“ATO”) issued 

Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (“COA”) prior to conducting operations under the grant of 

exemption. The Petitioner intends to fly under the Blanket COA provided by the FAA in March 

of 2015 for flights below 200 feet to all Section 333 Exemption holders or under a future ATOissued COA that will be applied for by the Petitioner after receiving their Section 333 Exemption. 

26. All sUAS flights conducted by the Petitioner will be done so in accordance with airspace 

requirements established by the FAA and/or an ATO-issued COA, including;

a. Class of Airspace

b. Altitude Level, and potential;

c. Transponder Requirements

27. As has been stated, the sUAS will not be operated within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference 

point as noted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with 

that airport’s Air Traffic Control is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with 

a NOTAM as required by the Operator’s COA. 

28. As stated previously, the Petitioner will follow VMC guidelines for VFR flights and as such, will fly 

only when there is visibility equal to, or in excess of, 3 statute miles from the PIC, while 

maintaining an adequate distance of no less than 500 feet below, or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud.

29. All operations by the Petitioner will be conducted below 400 feet AGL, nationwide or as 

otherwise advised in an ATO-issued COA. 

30. All sUAS craft flown by the Petitioner will be marked and identifiable by a serial number which 

will be as large as practicable given the relatively small size of the aircraft. The FAA has 

previously stated that so long as the markings are as large as practicable given the size of a 

sUAS, an equivalent level of safety can be achieved. 

31. All aircraft utilized by the Petitioner operate via radio frequency, which is governed by the 

Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). For this reason, prior to commercial operations 

under a granted Section 333 Exemption, the Petitioner will ensure the radio frequency spectrum 

used to operate and control its sUAS complies with FCC or other appropriate government 

oversight agency rules and regulations. 

32. As is stated in the FAA guidelines, a sUAS is required to yield the right of way to all manned 

aircraft and aviation operations at all times. This rule will be strictly followed by the Petitioner. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 23

33. The concentration of a PIC is necessary for safe operations. It is for this reason that the 

Petitioner will not allow any sUAS operations while a PIC is in a moving device or vehicle. These 

vehicles would include things like;

a. Cars/Trucks/SUVs

b. Boats

c. Tractors

d. ATVs

34. All sUAS operations by the Petitioner will be conducted at least 500 feet from all 

nonparticipating people, vessels, vehicles, and structures, unless the following conditions apply;

a. Protective barriers are present that adequately protect nonparticipants from flying 

shrapnel or debris should there be an accident. Furthermore, should a nonparticipant 

leave this safe-zone, the PIC will end the flight. 

b. The Petitioner has been granted permission to operate near a vessel, vehicle, or 

structure by the owner/controller of these properties. In addition to permission, the PIC 

will also have to perform a risk assessment of the situation and potential obstacles/flight 

hazards and determine the safety of the flight. If it is determined that the hazards 

present no risk, the PIC can start the mission. 

35. The Petitioner will log and report to the UAS Integration Office within 24 hours of any incident, 

accident, or flight operation that occurred outside the horizontal and vertical boundaries of the 

operational area as defined by the COA under which the flight was operating. Furthermore, the 

Petitioner will report accidents to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

36. The Petitioner will provide additional flight training to PICs that may be towing objects in the 

event of an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (c) (18). In the event that the Petitioner is exempt, 

each PIC that is designated as being a potential candidate for flying a sUAS while towing an 

object will be required to undergo additional training, on top of their required training and 

certifications, that will consist of 10 hours of training flights while towing objects. These objects 

will be dummy banners that weigh no more than the max weight allowable to satisfy the max 

takeoff weight specifications as highlighted by the manufacturer for each flight craft. 

Furthermore, the 10 hours of training will be required for each aircraft type, thus giving the PIC 

adequate training time and experience while towing objects with specific flight crafts. This will 

be necessary to familiarize each PIC with each specific flight craft in order to learn how specific 

flight craft respond to towing objects, particularly with regard to downwash and wind. 

Additionally, of the 10 total flight hours required for training on towing objects, 5 of these hours 

must be in the max wind tolerances as specified by the manufacturer for each flight craft. 

Training in these conditions will hone the skills of each PIC and allow them to operate in the 

worst case scenario for towing objects, which is high wind. When conducting actual commercial 

flights while towing objects, the Petitioner will not conduct flights in conditions where sustained 

winds are more than 75% of the maximum wind tolerance of the aircraft or when there are wind 

gusts in excess of 75% of the maximum wind tolerance as specified by the manufacturer for 

each aircraft. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 24

Exemptions Requested & Applicable Conditions/Reasoning

14 C.F.R 21(h): Airworthiness Certificates

Subpart (h) of Part 21 from the Code of Federal Regulations Title 14, Chapter 1, prescribes procedural 

requirements for the issuance of Airworthiness Certificates. Proposed Conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 24, 27, 

28, and 33 are all applicable to this particular Regulation and the FAA has found in favor of exempting 

previous Petitions #11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, and 11067 for this portion of 14 C.F.R. 

Furthermore, it is the belief of the Petitioner that a sUAS operating without an Airworthiness Certificate 

but within the conditions stated above would provide an equivalent level of safety to an aircraft 

operating with an airworthiness certificate not subject to the above conditions or limitations.

Additionally, all the sUAS proposed within this Petition for Exemption are small, weigh less than 7.5 lbs, 

have a flight speed of less than 100 mph, carry no pilots or passengers, carry no flammable fuel, are 

electric-powered, are operated below 400 feet, are operated at least 5 miles from an airport, and are 

flown within unaided, visual line of sight of a trained and licensed Pilot In Command. Plus, with built-in 

fail-safes that include GPS Guidance technologies, Return to Home Features for lost signal and low 

battery emergencies, and for the ability to regain radio connection with the craft after a fail-safe is 

engaged, it is clear the proposed aircraft have safety features equivalent to and superior to conventional 

aircraft that hold airworthiness certificates. For these reasons it is the belief of the Petitioner that they 

be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 21(h). 

14 C.F.R. 27: Airworthiness Standards - Normal Category Rotorcraft

Title 14, Part 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations creates the procedural requirements for 

airworthiness certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft. Due to the fact that the proposed aircraft 

contained within this Petition for Exemption are multi-rotor aircraft, the Petitioner seeks exemption 

from 14 C.F.R 27 for the same reasons stated in the request for exemption from 14 C.F.R. 21(h).

14 C.F.R. 43.7: Authorized Maintenance/Repair/Alteration Personnel

Title 14, Part 43, Section 43.7 of the Code of Federal Regulations regulates personnel authorized to 

approve aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts for return to 

service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration. Proposed conditions 13 

and 14 are applicable to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous Exemption 

#11208 pertaining to this rule. Furthermore, it is the opinion of the Petitioner that the stated rule would 

create a burden as the Petitioner would have to find a regularly authorized conventional mechanic or 

otherwise licensed personnel to sign off on an unconventional flight craft’s maintenance. More clearly, 

it would be difficult to find a mechanic that specializes in Cessna Repair that is also an expert in small 

radio-controlled multi-rotors. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 25

Additionally, it is likely that the operator of the sUAS (the PIC) would be more knowledgeable on the 

interworking’s of their sUAS than a regular mechanic as they likely have past RC flying experience. 

Particularly, the PICs working for the Petitioner will always have at least 25 hours of RC craft experience, 

in which time they will likely have to repair a prop for example. Due to the relative ease of replacing 

props on a multirotor (screw the broken one off and replace with a new one) it is not necessary for a 

certified or authorized individual to sign off on the repair. Instead, the repair can easily be done by 

authorized personnel working for the Petitioner so long as the conditions and procedures stated above, 

are followed. For these reasons it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 43.7. 

 

14 C.F.R. 43.11: Dispositions of Records for Inspections

Title 14, Part 43, Section 43.11 of the Code of Federal Regulations pertains to the disposition of Records 

for Inspections. Proposed condition number 13 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has 

found in favor of previous Exemption #11208 which contained this rule. For the reasons stated in 

Condition 13 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they 

be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 43.11.

14 C.F.R. 45.11: Making of Products

Title 14, Part 45, Section 45.11 of the Code of Federal Regulations pertains to the manufacturing of 

aircraft and major aircraft components, including, but not limited, aircraft bodies, aircraft engines, and 

aircraft propellers. This particular rule requires various procedures for marking each component with 

fireproof markings and, in a manner acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration, for purposes of 

identification. Proposed Condition for Exemption #30 above, pertains to this particular regulation and 

the FAA has ruled on it in previous Exemption #11208. For the reasons stated in Condition #30 

(“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt 

from 14 C.F.R. 45.11. 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b): Display of Marks; General

Title 14, Part 45, Section 45.23(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations states that;

 “When marks include only the Roman capital letter “N” and the registration number is 

displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental or 

provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each 

entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more 

than 6 inches high, the words “limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” “experimental,” or 

“provisional,” as applicable.”
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In a previous grant of exemption (Exemption #11062) it was determined by the FAA that the exemption 

of sUAS operators from this provision was warranted so long as the aircraft, “have identification (NNumber) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. 45 (c) if the markings are as large as practicable.” As is 

stated in Proposed Condition #30 above, the Petitioner will mark their aircraft with markings as large as 

practicable and therefore should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b). 

14 C.F.R. 45.27: Marking of the Aircraft – Rotorcraft

According to Title 14, Part 45, Section 45.27, of the Code of Federal Regulations, the operator of a 

rotorcraft;

 Must display on that rotorcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, 

or tail, the marks required by 14 C.F.R. 45.23.

For the same reasons stated in the request for exemption from 14 C.F.R. 45.23, the Petitioner believes it 

should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 45.27. More clearly, due to Condition #30 above, which states that the 

Petitioner will mark their aircraft with markings as large as practicable, the Petitioner respectfully asks 

for exemption from 14 C.F.R. 45.27. 

14 C.F.R. 45.29: Size of Marks

According to Title 14, Part 45, Section 45.29, of the Code of Federal Regulations, the operator of an 

aircraft;

 Must display on markings on the aircraft meeting the size requirements of this section

 2-12 inches high depending on the aircraft type

 Width 2/3s wide as the characters are high

 1/6th as thick as the characters are high

 Not less than 1/4th the character width

 Uniform

For the same reasons stated in the request for exemption from 14 C.F.R. 45.23, the Petitioner believes it 

should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 45.29. More clearly, due to Condition #30 above, which states that the 

Petitioner will mark their aircraft with markings as large as practicable, the Petitioner respectfully asks 

for exemption from 14 C.F.R. 45.29. 

14 C.F.R. 61.3: Requirement for Certificates, Ratings, and Authorizations

Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.3, of the Code of Federal Regulations pertains to the need for a Private 

Pilot’s license to operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Petitioner seeks exemption from this rule to 

the extent that this rule requires a sUAS operator to hold a Private Pilot’s License. Clearly, the goal of 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 27

this particular rule is to ensure the skill of any Pilot In Command matches the operating area in which 

they are flying. However, it is the Petitioner’s belief that the measure of a Private Pilot’s License and 

the training that went into it is not necessarily connected to that Pilot’s ability to operate a small 

unmanned aircraft at low altitudes. Particularly, the requirement of a Private License yields potential 

PICs that have been trained in multi-thousand pound, manned aircraft, flying at high altitudes in 

comparison to 7.5 lbs. or less, battery-powered craft, operated at 400 feet AGL or below. For this 

reason, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from this rule as the requirement of a 

Private Pilot’s license is unnecessary. Furthermore, it is stated as such on the FAA website.7

“The FAA also made two other changes to the Section 333 exemption process last week:

 The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a recreational 

or sport pilot certificate. Previously, Section 333 operators were required to have at least a 

private pilot certificate. The newly added certificates are easier to obtain, and therefore less 

costly, than a private pilot certificate.”

The authorization of Recreational and Sport Pilot Certificates as an alternative to a Private License points 

to a Private License as being a non-requirement according to the FAA’s integration office. This further 

evidence shows that the Petitioner should be exempt from the aforementioned regulation. Clearly, the 

Petitioner’s requirement of all PICs (Proposed Condition #4) to hold at least a Recreational or Sport 

Pilot’s Certificate yields an authorized level of training according to the FAA’s own website and in turn, 

shows that such a requirement by the Petitioner offers an equivalent level of safety as is provided by 

existing rules. 

Furthermore, Proposed Conditions #4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, among others, show the Petitioner’s commitment 

to safety and arguments for exemption from this rule. 

14 C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c): Medical Certificates – Requirements and Duration

According to Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.23 (a) & (c), of the Code of Federal Regulations, the operator of 

an aircraft is required to hold a Medical Certificate in various Pilot In Command Situations. As is stated 

in Proposed Condition #4 above, the Pilot in Command will have at least a Sport’s Pilot’s License and at 

least a valid U.S. Driver’s license, which has been ruled by the FAA in previously granted exemptions as a 

suitable alternative to a valid medical certificate for the authorized flights of unmanned systems. 

Furthermore, the FAA has posted on its website this new policy.7 Due to Condition #4 above and the 

current FAA Policy displayed below, the Petitioner believes it should be granted exemption from 14 

C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c). 

“The FAA also made two other changes to the Section 333 exemption process last week:

 The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a recreational or 

sport pilot certificate. Previously, Section 333 operators were required to have at least a private 

pilot certificate. The newly added certificates are easier to obtain, and therefore less costly, than 

a private pilot certificate.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 28

 A third class medical certificate is no longer required. Now, a Section 333 operator only needs a 

valid driver’s license to satisfy the medical requirement. This change is consistent with the 

agency’s approach for sport pilot certificate holders, who may fly light sport aircraft with a 

driver’s license and no FAA medical certificate.”

14 CFR 61.101(e) (4) and (5): Recreational Pilot Privileges and Limitations

In Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.101(e) (4) & (5), of the Code of Federal Regulations, the FAA states that;

Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (i) of this section, a recreational pilot may not act as pilot in 

command of an aircraft— for compensation or hire or in furtherance of a business. 

As can be seen on the FAA’s website (https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=82485);

“The FAA also made two other changes to the Section 333 exemption process last week:

 The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a recreational 

or sport pilot certificate. Previously, Section 333 operators were required to have at least a 

private pilot certificate. The newly added certificates are easier to obtain, and therefore less 

costly, than a private pilot certificate.”

With the intention of Section 333 Exemptions being the integration of commercial unmanned systems 

into the National Airspace System, it is clear that the allowed pilot certificates now authorized by the 

FAA do not adhere to 14 C.F.R. 61.101 (e) (4) and (5) and thus, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they 

should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 61.101 (e) (4) and (5) because this Petition for Exemption is for the 

expressed purpose of conducting commercial operations of sUAS in an effort to earn compensation 

and/or further the business of the Petitioner. As is stated in Proposed Condition #4 above, it is the 

intention of the Petitioner to provide commercial sUAS flights to customers through the use of a flight 

crew, consisting of a Pilot In Command that holds at least a Recreational or Sport Pilot Certificate. 

Therefore, in all likelihood, many PICs employed by the Petitioner will have these specific Certificates 

and as such, will need to be able to fly for compensation. 

Furthermore, as is stated on the FAA’s own website and as is highlighted below;

“The FAA also made two other changes to the Section 333 exemption process last week:

 The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a recreational or 

sport pilot certificate. Previously, Section 333 operators were required to have at least a private 

pilot certificate. The newly added certificates are easier to obtain, and therefore less costly, 

than a private pilot certificate.”

Therefore, it is highly likely that many potential PICs will have these Certificates as they are less costly 

and easier to obtain than a commercial Pilot’s License as an example. For these reasons, it is clear that 

the Petitioner should be granted an exemption from 14 C.F.R. 61.101 (e) (4) and (5). 
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14 CFR 61.113 (a) & (b): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations – Pilot In Command

Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.113 of the Code of Federal Regulations states that; 

Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot 

certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for 

compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an 

aircraft. 

Clearly this specific regulation conflicts with the Petitioner’s desire to provide commercial sUAS flights in 

the United States. Furthermore, some of the Petitioner’s PICs will have Private Pilot Licenses and as 

such they will be operating an aircraft (the sUAS) for compensation or hire under the proposed Petition 

for Exemption. 

With the intention of Section 333 Exemptions being the integration of commercial unmanned systems 

into the National Airspace System, it is clear that the allowed pilot certificates now authorized by the 

FAA, including a private pilot’s license, do not adhere to 14 C.F.R. 61.113 and thus, it is the belief of the 

Petitioner that they should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 61.113 because this Petition for Exemption is for 

the expressed purpose of conducting commercial operations of sUAS in an effort to earn compensation 

and/or further the business of the Petitioner. As is stated in Proposed Condition #4 above, it is the 

intention of the Petitioner to provide commercial sUAS flights to customers through the use of a flight 

crew, consisting of a Pilot In Command that holds at least a Recreational or Sport Pilot Certificate (but 

who may also hold a Private License). In addition, the FAA has granted over 800 Section 333 Exemptions 

to businesses and individuals looking to provide commercial/compensation-based sUAS flights. 

Furthermore, looking at 61.113 (b), which states; A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as 

pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: 

 The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and 

 The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

The Petitioner seeks exemption from these rules as it is the Petitioner’s goal to fly sUAS missions for 

compensation or hire. Additionally, the specific provision pertaining to not flying aircraft that carry 

property for compensation or hire is something the Petitioner would like to be exempt from as well. 

Various forms of property may be carried on a sUAS, including; Camera Systems, Digital Imagery, 

Sensors, and the like. 

For all these reasons, the Petitioner seeks exemption from 14 C.F.R. 61.113 (a) and (b). 

14 C.F.R. 61.315(a)(c): Privileges and Limits of Sport Pilot’s License
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In Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.315(a), of the Code of Federal Regulations, the FAA states that;

If you hold a sport pilot certificate you may act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft, except as 

specified in paragraph (c) of this section. Paragraph (c) reads the following;

You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:

(1) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.

(2) For compensation or hire.

(3) In furtherance of a business.

(4) While carrying more than one passenger.

(5) At night.

(6) In Class A airspace.

(7) In Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, 

or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in 

§61.325.

(8) Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to 

operate. Your sport pilot certificate carries the limit “Holder does not meet ICAO requirements.”

(9) To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson.

(10) In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.

(11) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.

(12) When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.

(13) Without visual reference to the surface.

(14) If the aircraft:

(i) Has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327(b).

(ii) Has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of 

§61.327(a) or have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a VH less than or 

equal to 87 knots CAS before April 2, 2010.

(15) Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being 

flown.
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(16) Contrary to any limit on your pilot certificate or airman medical certificate, or any other limit or 

endorsement from an authorized instructor.

(17) Contrary to any restriction or limitation on your U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation 

imposed by judicial or administrative order when using your driver's license to satisfy a requirement of 

this part.

(18) While towing any object.

(19) As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type 

certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted. 

The Petitioner requests exemption from numerous provisions contained in 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (a)(c). 

Particularly, the Petitioner requests exemption from the following subparts of 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (c); 1, 2, 

3, 9, and 18. Furthermore, the Petitioner believes that the remaining subparts (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19) will be adhered to via proposed conditions contained in “Proposed Conditions 

of the Exemption” above. Specifically, subparts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19 are 

covered by Proposed Conditions 1, 6 & 24, 6, 6, 1, 1, 3, 6 & 28, 6 & 28, 5, 25, 25, and 4 respectively. 

Additionally, pertaining to subparts 1, 2, 3, 9, 18, and 19, the Petitioner seeks exemption due to both 

unnecessary burdens on the Petitioner as well as an equivalent level of safety as is provided by these 

existing subparts of 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (a)(c). Arguments for each subpart are contained below.

Subpart (1) of 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (c) states that a Sport-Certified Pilot may not operate an aircraft if that 

aircraft is carrying passengers or property for hire/compensation. This is an unnecessary burden on the

Petitioner as;

1. They will not be carrying any passengers as they are flying Unmanned Systems, and;

2. There will be situations in which the Petitioner carries property for compensation.

The most likely of these situations will happen when a Petitioner is carrying a device or measurement 

tool owned by another person for compensation. This may include an imaging sensor owned by a third 

party for example. If a third party company owns the actual sensor but wants the Petitioner to utilize 

the tool on the Petitioner’s aircraft, the Petitioner will be flying with property for compensation. This 

compensation is related to the risk of loss while the camera is operating on the Unmanned System as 

well as the aerial perspective achieved by the sensor on a sUAS that would otherwise be impossible to 

obtain if the partner company only had the sensor. This example is common in many industries in which 

ground tools (such as cameras) are utilized on unmanned systems. Without exemption from this rule 

the Petitioner would have to either purchase the 3rd party sensor for use on their own sUAS or forego 

the compensation opportunity because they cannot carry the client’s tool and thus, not get the 

information the client desires. For this reason, it would be a significant burden to utilize a sUAS 

commercially without the ability to carry multiple sensors that may not be personally owned by the 

Petitioner.

Furthermore, it is the belief of the Petitioner that an equivalent level of safety would be provided if 

exempt from this rule because of the extensive training the PIC would have on the sUAS prior to flying 

commercially. This training will be in excess of the existing requirement to have at least a Sport Pilot’s 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 32

or Recreational Certificate. Thus, the PIC will have sufficient manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft 

training to successfully operate the sUAS without endangering the public. The training procedures and 

training materials for the PIC can be found in Exhibits 1 and 4 below. 

In addition to subpart (1) of 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (a)(c), the Petitioner also requests exemption from subpart 

(2) which states that an operator with a Sport Pilot’s License may not operate an aircraft for 

compensation. As has been highlighted previously, the directive from Congress passed to the FAA via 

the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 was to integrate commercial UAV operations into the 

National Airspace System. Furthermore, in numerous previously filed and granted Petitions for 

Exemption under Section 333, it has been stated by the FAA that;

 The agency now allows operations under these exemptions by people who hold a 

recreational or sport pilot certificate. 

This statement, combined with the initiative behind Section 333 exemptions (the commercial 

integration of UAV operations in the National Airspace System) shows that the FAA has found in favor of 

the idea that commercial UAV operations can be conducted by people who hold a recreational or sport 

pilot certificate. Additionally, this same argument can be made in regard to subpart (3) of 14 C.F.R. 

61.315 (a)(c), which states that a Sport-Certified Pilot may not operate an aircraft in furtherance of a 

business. The FAA defines “Furtherance of a Business” as;

 A flight, even if incidental to your employment or the business you intend to conduct, and 

not required by your business or employment, would be considered “in furtherance of a 

business.”10

Clearly, based on this description, an aerial operation that is “in furtherance of a business” would be 

considered a lesser form of commercialization than flights for hire or compensation as these types of 

flights are incidental to a business as opposed to directly related to the business, which is what a flight 

for compensation would likely be. Therefore, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 

this rule for the same justification as is proposed regarding 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (a)(c) (1) and (2). 

On top of subparts (1), (2), & (3) of 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (a)(c), the Petitioner also seeks relief from subpart

(9) which states that a Sport-Certified Pilot may not operate an aircraft to demonstrate that aircraft for 

sale. The Petitioner seeks exemption from this rule as they will be carrying an inventory/stock/fleet of 

UAV aircraft in an effort to operate a commercial service business. Furthermore, this 

inventory/stock/fleet will turnover from time to time as new aircraft are added and old aircraft are 

released by the company. In this event it will be important for the Petitioner to have the capability of 

showing off the aircraft to prospective buyers so that they can get the best price for their used systems. 

Plus, with PICs already being heavily trained and experienced with commercial flights, there is no added 

risk to allowing a qualified PIC to demonstrate the aircraft for sale to prospective buyers. The 

demonstration after all would be equivalent or less dangerous than a commercial flight that the PIC 

already performs on a frequent basis as part of their job as a commercial sUAS Pilot. 

The Petitioner also seeks exemption from 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (c) (18) which states that a Sport-Certified 

Pilot may not operate an aircraft while towing an object. It is the belief of the Petitioner that they be 

exempt from this rule as the maximum takeoff weight of their aircraft will never exceed the max takeoff 

weight specifications highlighted by the manufacturer. These max takeoff weights are the maximum 
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weight these aircraft can carry (including themselves) and still fly effectively. Thus, any object being 

towed by the aircraft will have to weigh equal to or less than the maximum allowable weight in order to 

maintain or come under the max takeoff weight specifications highlighted by the manufacturer. 

Additionally, Proposed Condition 36 from the “Proposed Conditions of the Exemption” above, highlights 

reasoning as to why the Petitioner believes their commercial sUAS flights in which objects are towed, 

would provide an equivalent level of safety as is provided by the existing rule. Particularly, the required 

and additional training necessary for a PIC to become an Object Towing PIC shows the skills that would 

be required to tow objects. 

Furthermore, with the continued innovation in the world of sensors, it will be necessary for the 

Petitioner to be able to tow objects, such as tow-behind sensors, in order to remain competitive with 

their competition. Tow-behind sensors might measure air quality, capture imagery, or perform various 

other data collection methods. Competing vehicles for these tow-behind sensors would include ATVs, 

Motorcycles, Manned Aircraft, and the like. All of these potential alternatives are more expensive to 

operate, more dangerous to operate, and dirtier to operate. Each alternative would cost multiple 

thousands of dollars to purchase, are larger, powered by combustion engines, and carry flammable fuel. 

Additionally, they produce negative effects on the environment. For the reasons stated above, the 

Petitioner believes they should be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 61.315 (c) (18).

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.7 (a) of the Code of Federal Regulations states; no person may operate a 

civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. Proposed Condition #13 pertains to this particular 

regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous Exemption #11062, 11063, and 11064, which 

contained this rule. For the reasons stated in Condition 13 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) 

above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.7 (a) and the proposed 

condition offers an equivalent level of safety as is currently provided by the existing rule.

14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.9 (b) (2) of the Code of Federal Regulations states; 

No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft for which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual 

is not required by Part 21.5 of this chapter, unless there is available, in the aircraft, a current approved 

Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any 

combination thereof. 

Proposed Condition #20 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions #11062, 11063, and 11064, which contained a request for exemption from this rule. For the 

reasons stated in Condition 20 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the 

Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.9 (b) (2). Furthermore, the proposed condition offers 

an equivalent level of safety as is currently provided by the existing rule as the Operating manuals about 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 34

which this rule pertains are available to the operator at all times on the ground, just as they would be if 

the aircraft was carrying the operator. Thus, any information the operator desires about the aircraft or 

its operating guidelines, can be found within documents within arm’s reach of the operator or on a 

digital device, such as a Smart Phone or tablet, easily accessible to the operator. 

14 C.F.R. 91.9(c): Civil Aircraft Marking, Placards 

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.9 (c) of the Code of Federal Regulations states; No person may operate a 

U.S.-registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is identified in accordance with part 45 of this chapter. 

Proposed Condition #30 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule. For the reasons stated in Condition 

30 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt 

from 14 C.F.R. 91.9 (c). Furthermore, the proposed condition offers an equivalent level of safety as is 

currently provided by the existing rule as the FAA has previously determined that exemption from these 

requirements is warranted provided that the aircraft “have identification (N-Number) markings in 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Subpart c, if the markings are as large as practicable.”11 

14 C.F.R. 91.103: Preflight Action

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.103 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information 

concerning that flight. This information must include—

(a) For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and 

forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed, 

and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC; 

(b) For any flight, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and the following takeoff and 

landing distance information: 

(1) For civil aircraft for which an approved Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual 

containing takeoff and landing distance data is required, the takeoff and landing 

distance data contained therein; and

(2) For civil aircraft other than those specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, other 

reliable information appropriate to the aircraft, relating to aircraft performance under 

expected values of airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross weight, and wind 

and temperature. 

Proposed Conditions # 3, 6, 12, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, and 28 pertain to this particular regulation and the 

FAA has found in favor of previous Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule, 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 35

including Exemptions #11062, 11063, and 11064. For the reasons stated in Conditions 3, 6, 12, 16, 17, 

20, 22, 23, 24, and 28 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner 

that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.103. Furthermore, the proposed conditions offer an equivalent 

level of safety as is currently provided by the existing rule as Preflight Planning is integral to the

Petitioner’s sUAS flights and each mission will be carefully planned, taking into consideration weather, 

power requirements, aircraft operating guidelines, and more, as seen in the proposed conditions above. 

14 C.F.R. 91.105: Flight Crewmembers at Stations

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.105 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) During takeoff and landing, and while en route, each required flight crewmember shall—

(1) Be at the crewmember station unless the absence is necessary to perform duties in 

connection with the operation of the aircraft or in connection with physiological needs; and 

(2) Keep the safety belt fastened while at the crewmember station. 

(b) Each required flight crewmember of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft shall, during takeoff and landing, 

keep his or her shoulder harness fastened while at his or her assigned duty station. This paragraph does 

not apply if—

(1) The seat at the crewmember's station is not equipped with a shoulder harness; or 

(2) The crewmember would be unable to perform required duties with the shoulder harness 

fastened. 

Proposed Condition #4 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule, including Exemption #11185. For 

the reason stated in Condition #4 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the 

Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.105. Furthermore, 14 C.F.R. 91.105 doesn’t really 

apply to the Petitioner’s aircraft as all the aircraft requested by the Petitioner weigh below 10 lbs. and 

do not carry a physical crew. As such, there is no cockpit or other operating area within the vehicle 

where a prospective crewmember would harness themselves in. Instead, all operations of the sUAS are 

executed from the ground from a designated operating area, in which, each crewmember has an 

assigned position at which they will stand during the operation. Generally, this standing area would be 

near the ground station for the PIC and in a pre-designated area (which is determined by the PIC) for the 

VO. Utilizing pre-determined standing areas for both the PIC and VO will ensure safe operating 

procedures of the Unmanned Vehicle. 

14 C.F.R. 91.109: Flight Instruction
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 36

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.109 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight 

instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. However, instrument flight instruction 

may be given in an airplane that is equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel that 

controls the elevator and ailerons, in place of fixed, dual controls, when—

(1) The instructor has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and

(2) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate 

category and class ratings.

(b) An airplane equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel that controls the elevator 

and ailerons, in place of fixed, dual controls may be used for flight instruction to conduct a flight review 

required by§ 61.56 of this chapter, or to obtain recent flight experience or an instrument proficiency 

check required by § 61.57 when—

(1) The airplane is equipped with operable rudder pedals at both pilot stations;

(2) The pilot manipulating the controls is qualified to serve and serves as pilot in command 

during the entire flight;

(3) The instructor is current and qualified to serve as pilot in command of the airplane, meets 

the requirements of§ 61.195(b), and has logged at least 25 hours of pilot-in-command flight 

time in the make and model of airplane; and

(4) The pilot in command and the instructor have determined the flight can be conducted safely.

(c) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless—

(1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least a private pilot 

certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.

(2) The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft, or a competent 

observer in the aircraft adequately supplements the vision of the safety pilot; and

(3) Except in the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, that aircraft is equipped with fully functioning 

dual controls. However, simulated instrument flight may be conducted in a single-engine 

airplane, equipped with a single, functioning, throwover control wheel, in place of fixed, dual 

controls of the elevator and ailerons, when—

(i) The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and

(ii) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with 

appropriate category and class ratings.

(d) No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for a flight test for an airline transport pilot 

certificate or a class or type rating on that certificate, or for apart 121 proficiency flight test, unless the 

pilot seated at the controls, other than the pilot being checked, is fully qualified to act as pilot in 

command of the aircraft.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 37

Proposed Conditions #4, 7, 8, and 9 pertain to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor 

of previous Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule, including Exemptions 

#11062, 11063, and 11064. For the reasons stated in Conditions #4, 7, 8, and 9 (“Proposed Conditions of 

the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.109. 

14 C.F.R. 91.113(b): Right-of-Way Rules

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.113(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(b) General. When weather conditions permit, regardless of whether an operation is conducted under 

instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an 

aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft. When a rule of this section gives another aircraft the rightof-way, the pilot shall give way to that aircraft and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well 

clear.

Proposed Conditions #6 and 32 pertain to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of 

previous Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule, including Exemption 

#11238. For the reasons stated in Conditions #6 and 32 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) 

above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.113(b). Due to the fact 

that all the Petitioner’s sUAS operations will take place under the guidance of a PIC and VO within Line 

of Sight of the aircraft, it is the belief of the Petitioner that their proposed operations offer an equivalent 

level of safety as is provided by the existing rule. 

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

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.119 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following 

altitudes:

(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to 

persons or property on the surface. 

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air 

assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 

2,000 feet of the aircraft. 

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water 

or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any 

person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 38

(d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft. If the operation is conducted 

without hazard to persons or property on the surface—

(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of 

this section, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or 

altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA; and 

(2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be operated at less than the 

minimums prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section. 

Proposed Conditions #3, 6, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 34 pertain to this particular regulation and the FAA has 

found in favor of previous Exemptions which contained a request for exemption from this rule. For the 

reasons stated in Conditions #3, 6, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 34 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) 

above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.119. 

Each of the Proposed Conditions above create sUAS operations with equivalent safety to what the 

typical manned mission under 14 C.F.R. 91.119 would provide. Remember, when comparing to manned 

operations with manned flight craft, a sUAS is much smaller and light-weight. Consider the fact that a 

manned aircraft weighs thousands of pounds, carries flammable fuel, and is powered by a combustion 

engine. Clearly, carrying out a mission utilizing a sUAS would provide for a safer operation than would a 

conventional aircraft under 14 C.F.R. 91.119.

14 C.F.R. 91.121: Altimeter Settings

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.121 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(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;

(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; or

(2) At or above 18,000 feet MSL, to 29.92′′ Hg.

(b) The lowest usable flight level is determined by the atmospheric pressure in the area of operation as 

shown in the following table:
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 39

Current altimeter setting Lowest usable flight level

29.92 (or higher) 180

29.91 through 29.42 185

29.41 through 28.92 190

28.91 through 28.42 195

28.41 through 27.92 200

27.91 through 27.42 205

27.41 through 26.92 210

(c) To convert minimum altitude prescribed under§§ 91.119 and 91.177 to the minimum flight level, the 

pilot shall take the flight level equivalent of the minimum altitude in feet and add the appropriate 

number of feet specified below, according to the current reported altimeter setting:

Current altimeter setting Adjustment factor

29.92 (or higher) None

29.91 through 29.42 500

29.41 through 28.92 1,000

28.91 through 28.42 1,500

28.41 through 27.92 2,000

27.91 through 27.42 2,500

27.41 through 26.92 3,000

Proposed Condition #3 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions, particularly Astraeus Aerial, which contained a request for exemption from this rule based 

on the idea that an equivalent level of safety could be provided so long as the Unmanned Aircraft was 

operated below 400 feet AGL, within Visual Line of Sight, and operated with a live, GPS-based, Altitude 

read-out. For the reasons stated in Condition #3 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is 

the belief of the Petitioner that they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.121 because they are receiving a live, 

GPS-Altitude, read-out on each flight, they are operating below 400 feet AGL, and they are operating 

within Visual Line of Sight. Furthermore, as can be seen in Proposed Condition #3, each flight conducted 

by the Petitioner will begin with a zero-altitude start point. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 40

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

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.151(a) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) No person may begin 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) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes. 

Proposed Condition #17 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions, particularly Astraeus Aerial, which contained a request for exemption from this rule based 

on an equivalent level of safety being provided by a sUAS when ending a flight with at least 25% battery 

life remaining. Clearly, a percent battery life remaining is a better measure for safety when using a sUAS 

because the current battery capacities achieved by these types of vehicles (including all the sUAS

proposed in this Petition for Exemption) often do not allow for flight times of over 25 minutes, which is 

far less than even the reserve time limits mandated by 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a). For the reasons stated in 

Condition #17 (“Proposed Conditions of the Exemption”) above, it is the belief of the Petitioner that 

they be exempt from 14 C.F.R. 91.151(a) because they can achieve an equivalent level of safety by 

terminating their flights with 25% battery life remaining. 

14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) and (b): Civil Aircraft – Certifications Required

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.203(a) and (b) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) Except as provided in§ 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has within it the 

following:

(1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate. Each U.S. airworthiness certificate used 

to comply with this subparagraph (except a special flight permit, a copy of the applicable 

operations specifications issued under§ 21.197(c) of this chapter, appropriate sections of the air 

carrier manual required by parts 121 and 135 of this chapter containing that portion of the 

operations specifications issued under § 21.197(c), or an authorization under § 91.611) must 

have on it the registration number assigned to the aircraft under part 47 of this chapter. 

However, the airworthiness certificate need not have on it an assigned special identification 

number before 10 days after that number is first affixed to the aircraft. A revised airworthiness 

certificate having on it an assigned special identification number that has been affixed to an 

aircraft may only be obtained upon application to an FAA Flight Standards district office.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 41

(2) An effective U.S. registration certificate issued to its owner or, for operation within the 

United States, the second copy of the Aircraft registration Application as provided for in§ 

47.31(c), or a registration certification issued under the laws of a foreign country.

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by paragraph (a) 

of this section or a special flight authorization issued under§ 91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit 

entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew.

Proposed Condition #20 pertains to this particular regulation and the FAA has found in favor of previous 

Exemptions, particularly Exemptions #11062, 11063, and 11064, which contained a request for 

exemption from this rule. Additionally, all required paperwork will be available to the PIC and VO on the 

ground as these are Unmanned Systems as opposed to manned aircraft. This paperwork may be in 

hard-copy form or available through a link on the internet, such as a Google Drive account for example. 

14 C.F.R. 215: ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.215 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) All airspace: U.S.-registered civil aircraft. For operations not conducted under part 121 or 135 of this 

chapter, ATC transponder equipment installed must meet the performance and environmental 

requirements of any class of TSO-C74b (Mode A) or any class of TSO-C74c (Mode A with altitude 

reporting capability) as appropriate, or the appropriate class of TSO-C112 (Mode S).

(b) All airspace. Unless otherwise authorized or directed by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft in 

the airspace described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) of this section, unless that aircraft is equipped 

with an operable coded radar beacon transponder having either Mode 3/A 4096 code capability, 

replying to Mode 3/A interrogations with the code specified by ATC, or a Mode S capability, replying to 

Mode 3/A interrogations with the code specified by ATC and intermode and Mode S interrogations in 

accordance with the applicable provisions specified in TSO C-112, and that aircraft is equipped with 

automatic pressure altitude reporting equipment having a Mode C capability that automatically replies 

to Mode C interrogations by transmitting pressure altitude information in 100-foot increments. This 

requirement applies—

(1) All aircraft. In Class A, Class B, and Class C airspace areas;

(2) All aircraft. In all airspace within 30 nautical miles of an airport listed in appendix D, section 1 

of this part from the surface upward to 10,000 feet MSL;

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any aircraft which was not originally 

certificated with an engine-driven electrical system or which has not subsequently been 

certified with such a system installed, balloon or glider may conduct operations in the airspace 

within 30 nautical miles of an airport listed in appendix D, section 1 of this part provided such 

operations are conducted—

(i) Outside any Class A, Class B, or Class C airspace area; and
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 42

(ii) Below the altitude of the ceiling of a Class B or Class C airspace area designated for 

an airport or 10,000 feet MSL, whichever is lower; and

(4) All aircraft in all airspace above the ceiling and within the lateral boundaries of a Class B or 

Class C airspace area designated for an airport upward to 10,000 feet MSL; and

(5) All aircraft except any aircraft which was not originally certificated with an engine-driven 

electrical system or which has not subsequently been certified with such a system installed, 

balloon, or glider—

(i) In all airspace of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia at and above 

10,000 feet MSL, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500 feet above the surface; and

(ii) In the airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL within a 10-nautical-mile radius 

of any airport listed in appendix D, section 2 of this part, excluding the airspace below 

1,200 feet outside of the lateral boundaries of the surface area of the airspace 

designated for that airport.

(c) Transponder-on operation. While in the airspace as specified in paragraph (b) of this section or in all 

controlled airspace, each person operating an aircraft equipped with an operable ATC transponder 

maintained in accordance with § 91.413 of this part shall operate the transponder, including Mode C 

equipment if installed, and shall reply on the appropriate code or as assigned by ATC.

(d) ATC authorized deviations. Requests for ATC authorized deviations must be made to the ATC facility 

having jurisdiction over the concerned airspace within the time periods specified as follows:

(1) For operation of an aircraft with an operating transponder but without operating automatic 

pressure altitude reporting equipment having a Mode Capability, the request may be made at 

any time.

(2) For operation of an aircraft with an inoperative transponder to the airport of ultimate 

destination, including any intermediate stops, or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs 

can be made or both, the request may be made at any time.

(3) For operation of an aircraft that is not equipped with a transponder, the request must be 

made at least one hour before the proposed operation.

Proposed Conditions #3, 25, 26, and 27 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions, and particularly all the reporting requirements contained in an 

ATO-Issued COA, the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is provided by the existing 

rule and ensure adequate compliance with reporting standards as set forth in the rule. 

14 C.F.R. 91.403: General

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.403 of the Code of Federal Regulations states;
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 43

(a) The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an 

airworthy condition, including compliance with part 39 of this chapter.

(b) No person may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on an aircraft other 

than as prescribed in this subpart and other applicable regulations, including part 43 of this chapter.

(c) No person may operate an aircraft for which a manufacturer's maintenance manual or instructions 

for continued airworthiness has been issued that contains an airworthiness limitations section unless 

the mandatory replacement times, inspection intervals, and related procedures specified in that section 

or alternative inspection intervals and related procedures set forth in an operations specification 

approved by the Administrator underpart 121 or 135 of this chapter or in accordance with an inspection 

program approved under § 91.409(e) have been complied with.

(d) A person must not alter an aircraft based on a supplemental type certificate unless the owner or 

operator of the aircraft is the holder of the supplemental type certificate, or has written permission 

from the holder.

Proposed Conditions #13, 14, and 15 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is 

provided by the existing rule and ensure adequate compliance with maintenance standards as set forth 

in the rule. 

14 C.F.R. 91.405(a): Maintenance Required

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.405(a) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

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;

Proposed Conditions #13, 14, and 15 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is 

provided by the existing rule and ensure adequate compliance with maintenance standards as set forth 

in the rule. 

14 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1): Operation after Maintenance or Alteration

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.407(a)(1) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, 

rebuilding, or alteration unless—
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 44

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

chapter.

Proposed Conditions #13, 14, and 15 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is 

provided by the existing rule and ensure adequate compliance with maintenance standards as set forth 

in the rule. 

14 C.F.R. 409(a)(1) and (2): Inspections

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.409(a)(1) and (2) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(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 this chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of 

this chapter.

No inspection performed under paragraph (b) of this section may be substituted for any inspection 

required by this paragraph unless it is performed by a person authorized to perform annual inspections 

and is entered as an “annual” inspection in the required maintenance records.

Proposed Conditions #13, 14, and 15 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is 

provided by the existing rule and ensure adequate compliance with maintenance standards as set forth

in the rule. 

14 C.F.R. 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance Records

Title 14, Part 91, Section 91.417(a) and (b) of the Code of Federal Regulations states;

(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
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 45

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number 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 of 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, including the time since the last 

inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its 

appliances are maintained.

(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 major 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 sold.

(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.

Proposed Conditions #13, 14, and 15 pertain to this particular regulation. Clearly, by following the 

aforementioned Proposed Conditions the Petitioner can provide an equivalent level of safety as is 

provided by the existing rule and ensure adequate compliance with maintenance standards as set forth 

in the rule. 

Privacy

When discussing the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles the question of privacy frequently comes 

up. The reason for this is clear as small unmanned aircraft, despite their incredible uses as a tool, also 

have the potential to be used for nefarious activities, such as spying for example. This presents a risk to 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 46

the personal privacy of individuals. Furthermore, in less extreme cases of invasion of privacy, a small 

unmanned craft might accidently capture imagery that would comprise someone’s privacy. Due to 

these potential privacy risks it is imperative for operators of small unmanned craft to use their aircraft 

responsibly and focus on mitigating any of the potential privacy risks their aircraft creates. The 

Petitioner is particularly aware of the privacy concerns of individuals and due to this is extremely 

focused on providing privacy not only for individuals, but also for customers. 

In terms of privacy, South Bay Top 40 will always ask permission before flying any missions that 

reasonably require consent from a participating or non-participating party. Furthermore, South Bay Top 

40 will securely encrypt videos and use tracking devices on all drones used in case of a crash. Currently 

Southbaytop40 uses various tracking systems from DJI, Flytrex, and others.

Public Interest and Safety

According to the Federal Aviation Administration Guidelines for Section 333 Exemptions there are three 

main criteria a successful Petition for Exemption under Section 333 should have;

1. The Petitioner must submit a request for exemption from a rule or set of rules contained in 14 

C.F.R. that the Petitioner believes will be a burden for their operations.

2. The Petitioner must provide a level of safety at least equal to that provided by the rule from 

which the Petitioner is seeking an exemption, and;

3. The Petitioner’s request must be in the Public Interest.

To satisfy these main guidelines, the following information will cover the justification of the proposed 

commercial operations under Section 333 requested by this Petition. More clearly, the following 

arguments will show how each of the proposed applications/use-cases are in the public interest and 

promote safety.

Specifically, the sUAS flights proposed in this petition will increase safety for the following applications;

Cinematography and Real Estate. Furthermore, it will be seen that the use of sUAS by the Petitioner will 

also promote safety and reduce negative environmental impacts. This will be achieved because of the 

lower risks associated with a small, plastic, battery-powered sUAS, as compared to a manned, multithousand pound, combustion-engine-powered, flammable-fuel-carrying aircraft. Plus, with most sUAS 

data capture happening at low altitudes, because of the enhanced data resolution possible at low 

altitudes, customers of sUAS services are getting better, more accurate data, while at the same time the 

public is avoiding the potentially hazardous practice of ultra-low-flying manned aircraft. Clearly, the 

combination of better, more accurate data, coupled with the enhanced safety of a sUAS over manned 

aircraft, produces a viable commercial operation that promotes the public interest. Evidence of this can 

be found in the industry-specific examples below. 

In addition to the aforementioned safety benefits and promotion of public interests, it should also be 

noted that all the sUAS aircraft utilized by the Petitioner satisfy the directives passed to the Federal 

Aviation Administration by Congress in the Reform Act of 2012. Specifically, all of the Petitioner’s 

aircraft satisfy the size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports, proximity to 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 47

populated areas, and visual line of sight rules and requirements laid out by Congress. Furthermore, due 

to the FAA precedent of requiring, at minimum, a Sport Pilot’s Certificate, the FAA can be assured that 

all commercial flights proposed in this Petition do not pose a threat to National Security as all PIC’s will 

have already been vetted by the Department of Homeland Security. For these reasons and for the 

numerous arguments contained herein, this Petition for Exemption provides strong justification for 

approval of commercial operations for the above-stated sUAS in the above-stated applications and usecases under Section 333, pursuant to the operating procedures and requirements described herein. 

Furthermore, contained in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 was Congress’ clear initiative 

to integrate commercial sUAS flights into the National Airspace System. With this initiative it is 

definitive that Congress believes that the integration of commercial sUAS into the National Airspace 

System is within the Public Interest as they are, obviously, elected representatives of the public assigned 

with the duty of driving policy that promotes the Public Interest. Thus, in addition to the industryspecific examples below, it should also be considered that the integration of all sUAS, pursuant to their 

safe integration into the NAS and providing of at least an equivalent level of safety as is provided by the 

current FAA rules, is inherently within the public interest. 

Please look below to find more detailed descriptions as to why each of the applications highlighted 

above can provide a benefit to the public as a whole and reasons why the exemption would not 

adversely affect safety.

Cinematography

The Aerial Cinematography Industry is an industry that has been operating for many years to capture 

cinema-quality footage from low altitudes. Initially this type of cinematography was captured using 

fixed wings and helicopters, but in more recent years, the business has started to utilize UAVs. First, 

large, gas-powered helicopters were used and then, in the last couple years, small Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicles. The reason the industry has transitioned to these small aircraft is because newer UAV systems 

have been able to capture the quality video the industry is looking for but at a much lower cost and with 

significantly lower risks. 

One of the reasons manned aircraft cinematography is so expensive is because of the dangers 

associated with flying a 6,000 pound aircraft, filled with flammable fuel, powered by a combustion 

engine, at low altitudes and over people. The insurance costs alone for these types of activities are high 

and accidents have happened in the industry. Some of these accidents have even lead to casualties. 

Earlier this year 10 people died when two helicopters crashed while filming the French Realty Show, 

“Dropped.” Whenever you have manned aircraft operating at low altitudes there are added risks. 

These risks include ground structures, confined spaces, and more. Additionally, when you have manned 

aircraft, any accidents are much more catastrophic than if you had the same situation with unmanned 

aircraft. Once again, this is because of the size and flammable fuel carried on-board manned aircraft. A 

small Unmanned Aircraft does not have these attributes, plus, because there are no people on board, 

the chances of causalities is lower because there is no pilot. 

It is important to remember that the weight of the UAVs utilized by the Petitioner will weigh no more 

than 7.5 pounds and contain no crew, flammable fuel, or combustion engine. This limited weight and 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 48

size will significantly reduce the potential for casualties or mass property damage in the case of a crash. 

Furthermore, the use of electric power by the Petitioner’s UAVs is much more environmentally-friendly 

than that of a manned aircraft, which is carrying a significant amount of unnecessary weight using 

carbon-based fuel sources. Therefore, in addition to the increased safety obtained by a UAV performing 

aerial cinematography, there is also the added public benefit of a healthier environment. 

Furthermore, while traditional aerial cinematography utilizing conventional aircraft can perform in close 

proximity to people and property, it should be pointed out that a UAV is even safer than the traditional 

methods because of the limited size, weight, speed, operating conditions, and safety features included 

on the proposed aircraft within this petition. Additionally, as is highlighted in the FAA Modernization 

and Reform Act of 2012, the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System is inherently in the 

public interest so long as it can be accomplished with at least an equivalent level of safety as is currently 

provided by existing FAA rules and regulations. 

On top of this, the utilization of sUAS in the Aerial Cinematography Industry falls in line with the 4D’s of 

UAS Intervention, which points to the Public Interest of using UAVs over manned aircraft. The reasoning 

for this can be seen below;

 Dull – Aerial Cinematography is an industry that requires repetitive flights. There are often 

multiple takes of the same scene in order to get the perfect shot with the perfect lighting. 

For this reason, the same flight has to occur several times in a short time period. This isn’t 

necessarily efficient for a manned aircraft because it needs to stay aloft during filming and 

due to this, wastes time and fuel waiting for successive shots. A UAV on the other hand can 

land in between shots and use significantly less power. Plus, because of the inherent risks of 

flying at low altitudes for manned aircraft (structures, people, obstacles, etc.), repetitive 

shots require repetitive risky flight operations. 

 Dangerous – Aerial Cinematography is almost always done at very low altitudes, which is 

very dangerous airspace for large, manned aircraft. There are more obstacles to consider at 

low altitudes and less margin for error. Therefore aerial cinematography flights using 

manned aircraft are more dangerous than if the same manned aircraft were operating at 

higher altitudes with less obstacles and more space. Thus, an unmanned craft is a safer 

alternative as it is more maneuverable in confined spaces and less damaging in the case of a 

crash. 

 Dirty – Some aerial cinematography is extreme in nature and may include things like 

airborne obstacles. While the Petitioner’s UAV system would be maintaining a safe distance 

from these hazards and remaining within line of sight, it is important to consider that 

unpredictable accidents can happen in which a bird might fly into a prop as an example. In 

this situation it would obviously be better to have a small unmanned craft than a large, 

manned aircraft, carrying a pilot and flammable fuel. As was seen with the Mircle on the 

Hudson incident, birds can have a devestating effect even on the most advanced aircraft in 

the world if they collide with a prop or get sucked into an engine. 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 49

 Deep – Some aerial cinematography might require capabilities that only an unmanned 

aircraft can perform, such as flying in extremely close proximity to structures or other 

obstacles at low speeds. This type of application would be impossible for most manned 

aircraft and if not impossible, extremely dangerous. For this reason an unmanned aircraft 

would be required. 

Additionally, the following previously granted exemptions point to the FAA’s acceptance of sUAS use in 

the Aerial Cinematography Industry as being within the public interest. 

 Exemption Numbers:

o 11540

o 11153

o 12031

Real Estate

The Real Estate Industry was one of the first industries to be granted an Exemption under Section 333. 

One of the reasons for this is the obvious benefit the utilization of a small unmanned aircraft can 

provide for the purposes of property and home sales. The ability to gain an aerial perspective of a 

property or house allows potential buyers a way of seeing the property in its entirety. When thinking 

about traditional real estate listings, there are often a series of photographs of the house or property, 

and its surroundings. However, these pictures are not necessarily congruent, meaning, you, as a buyer, 

can’t put one picture with the next picture and get a walk around of the property. For example, you see 

a picture of a gazeebo in the yard. As a perspective buyer you can see that there is a gazeebo but you 

can’t figure out where it is in relation to everything else on the property because the pictures may not 

be in sequence or provide an adequate field of view to understand where a particular feature is located.

Furthermore, aerial cinematography for real estate has existed for many years, however it has 

previously been accomplished using manned fixed wing or helicopter aircraft. The expense of utilizing 

this form of cinematography is extremely costly and prices many realtors and homeowners out of this 

form of marketing. However, this form of marketing is very valuable and would likely be used by lowbudget sellers and agents if it were available. 

Additionally, utilizing manned aircraft to capture the type of aerial marketing possible with a sUAS poses 

significant threats and problems to a community. Obviously a low flying plane or helicopter would 

supply significant noise and annoyance among neighbors of a home being videoed from a plane or 

helicopter. It is for this reason that there are noise ordinances across the country pertaining to manned 

aircraft. Obviously, a light-weight sUAS will produce much less noise than a helicopter or plane 

operating at low altitudes. Furthermore, there is also substantially less risk associated with a sUAS 

performing a low-altitude real estate flight, especially in populated neighborhoods. This is the case 

because if a manned aircraft goes down in a populated neighborhood there will likely be fatalities or 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 50

significant damage to the plane and crash site. A sUAS on the other hand would likely cause little 

damage in the case of a catastrophic crash. Plus, because the sUASs proposed in this petition do not 

carry combustible fuel, the after-effect damage is far less as well because there isn’t a risk of a fuel tank 

exploding or starting on fire. 

Furthermore, when looking back at the 4D’s of UAV Use, it is clear that Real Estate photography and 

cinematography using small unmanned aircraft fits the 4D’s. 

 Dull – Real Estate flights for aerial cinematography are a sUAS use-case marked by repetition 

and on-demand access. More clearly, homes may need to be flown multiple times and ondemand. The key to a good real estate video is that it nicely highlights the features of the real 

estate being filmed and does so in good lighting conditions. Lighting conditions change 

constantly and it is best if you can adapt to the lighting and fly at the perfect time in the perfect 

weather to get the best footage. This may mean waiting for 5 or 10 minutes for a cloud to pass 

through. With a manned aircraft this expensive to do. Plus, with many private pilots renting 

their aircraft, it would be hard to anticipate what time to rent the plane in order to have it in 

position at the perfect time. 

 

 Dangerous – Real Estate flights using manned aircraft would be highly dangerous in comparison 

to unmanned aircraft. The reason for this is because most flights take place low to the ground,

right above houses and many times above highly populated neighborhoods. An accident with a 

manned aircraft in these conditions could be catastrophic, with potentially many casualties and 

a lot of property damage. An unmanned craft, like the ones described in this petition, would 

cause much less damage in the case of an accident, as they are small, battery powered, and 

weigh under 7.5 lbs. 

 Dirty – Commercial UAV flights in the real estate industry can also be dirty, in that they can take 

place in potentially hazardous environments. Commercial real estate in particular, in which 

large factories or plants may be being sold, could pose hazardous environments that are best 

filmed by sUAS aircraft so as to not expose humans to hazardous waste, gases, or materials for 

example. Furthermore, decrepit or abandoned buildings that are dangerous to walk through or 

near, may be best flown using an unmanned aircraft.

 Deep – Once again, sUAS allow for operators to capture high resolution data at low altitudes. 

This is true in the Real Estate Industry as well and low altitude flight can be especially dangerous 

for manned aircraft. In particular, any high resolution data collection at low altitudes and in 

confined areas, such as in neighborhoods as an example, can be impossible for manned aircraft 

as their maneuverability is such that the confined area is too small for safe flight. 

Finally, because the proposed sUAS contained in this Petition are battery-powered, they do not release 

environmentally hazardous emissions. Thus, utilizing these micro-UAVs in place of manned aircraft 

benefits the public by promoting a healthier environment. 

By granting this Petition for Exemption and allowing for the use of commercial sUAS flights in the Real 

Estate Industry, the FAA will be contributing to economic growth by supporting the housing industry and 
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 51

commercial real estate industry, thereby strengthening the economy. Furthermore, all of this can be 

done by maintaining the safety of the National Airspace and people & property on the ground. 

Additionally, the following previously granted exemptions point to the FAA’s acceptance of sUAS use in 

the Real Estate Industry as being within the public interest. 

 Exemption Numbers:

o 11062

o 11109

o 11112

o 11213

o 11364

Regulations Requested for Exemption

Appendix 1: Regulations Requested for Exemption – List

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMajc4dHA2bjE4bjg/view?usp=sharing

Exhibit List

Exhibit 1: South Bay Top 40 Operations Manual

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMNFJKWFliMFpNTnc/view?usp=sharing

Exhibit 2: South Bay Top 40 Logbook Example

Below is a logbook example from the app that is running the Flight Logs for the Petitioner’s aircraft. The 

specific flight logs pictured are just an example and not specific to the Petitioner’s prior flights. In 

addition to the logbook, please see the linked video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4afE-rd6xoY) 

that shows how the flight logs can be played back utilizing the same logging app for each flight.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 52

Exhibit 3: South Bay Top 40 Visual Observer Training Procedures & Guide

Visual Observer Training Procedures

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8sknt2zpxhMOHU5NGw3OVFlbFE

Visual Observer Training Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMNTRQdnBSaTZ0ekU/view?usp=sharing

Exhibit 4: South Bay Top 40 Pilot In Command Training Guide

Pilot In Command Training Procedures

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8sknt2zpxhMOHU5NGw3OVFlbFE

Pilot in Command Training Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8sknt2zpxhMNTNzb0YtMEgxd1k/view?usp=sharing
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 53

Exhibit 5: DJI Phantom 2

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2

Exhibit 6: DJI Phantom 2 User Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2/en/PHANTOM2_User_Manual_v1.4_en.pdf

Exhibit 7: DJI Phantom 2 Quick Start Guide

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2/en/PHANTOM2_Quick_Start_Guide_en.pdf

Exhibit 8: DJI Phantom 2 Features

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2/feature

Exhibit 9: DJI Phantom 2 Specifications

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2/spec

Exhibit 10: DJI Phantom 2 Flight Controller User Manual

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/nazam-v2/en/NAZAM_Quick_Start_Guide_v1.26_en.pdf

Exhibit 11: DJI Phantom 2 Smart Battery Safety Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_2_vision_plus/Smart_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidelines.pdf
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 54

Exhibit 12: DJI Phantom 2 Pilot Training Guide

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/phantom-2-

vision/en/Phantom_2_Vision_Pilot_Training_Guide_en.pdf

Exhibit 13: DJI Phantom 3 Professional

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3

Exhibit 14: DJI Phantom 3 Professional User Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

Exhibit 15: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quick Start Guide

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Phantom_3_Professional_Quick_Start_Guide_en.pdf

Exhibit 16: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Features

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/feature

Exhibit 17: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Specifications

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/spec

Exhibit 18: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Flight Controller System

http://www.dji.com/product/phantom-3/flight-system
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 55

Exhibit 19: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Smart Battery Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Intelligent_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidelines_en.pdf

Exhibit 20: DJI Phantom 3 Professional Safety/Preflight Checklist and Guidelines Training

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/phantom_3/en/Safety_Guidelines_Disclaimer_en.pdf

Exhibit 21: DJI Inspire 1 

http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1

Exhibit 22: DJI Inspire 1 User Manual

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_User_Manual_v1.2_en.pdf

Exhibit 23: DJI Inspire 1 Quick Start Guide

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Inspire_1_Quick_Start_Guide_en.pdf

Exhibit 24: DJI Inspire 1 Features

http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1/feature

Exhibit 25: DJI Inspire 1 Specifications

http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1/spec

Exhibit 26: DJI Inspire 1 Flight Controller System

http://www.dji.com/product/inspire-1/flight-control
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 56

Exhibit 27: DJI Inspire 1 Smart Battery Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/inspire_1/en/Intelligent_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidelines_en.pdf

Exhibit 28: DJI Matrice 100 

http://dev.dji.com/en/products/flying-platforms/matrice-100

Exhibit 29: DJI Matrice 100 User Manual

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/dev/Matrice/en/M100_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf

Exhibit 30: DJI Matrice 100 Features

http://dev.dji.com/en/products/flying-platforms/matrice-100/features

Exhibit 31: DJI Matrice 100 Specifications

http://dev.dji.com/en/products/flying-platforms/matrice-100/specs

Exhibit 32: DJI Matrice 100 Smart Battery Manual

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/dev/Matrice/en/Intelligent_Flight_Battery_Safety_Guidelines_en.pdf

References

1.) NTSB. Michael P. Huerta, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration v. Raphael

Pirker. Washington, DC: National Transportation Safety Board, 17 Nov. 2014.

PDF. Aircraft Definition.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 57

2.) Administration, Federal Aviation. "FAA Streamlines UAS COAs for Section 333." FAA.gov.

Federal Aviation Administration, 24 Mar. 2015. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.

3.) Administration, Federal Aviation. "Section 333 Petition Guidance & Checklist." (n.d.): n.

pag. FAA.gov. Federal Aviation Administration. Web. Conditions for a successful

Exemption.

4.) Watts, Adam C., Vincent G. Ambrosia, and Everett A. Hinkley. Unmanned Aircraft

Systems in Remote Sensing and Scientific Research: Classification and

Consideration of Use. Basel, Switzerland:

www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing, 8 June 2012. PDF. "D's" of Unmanned

Aircraft Use.

5.) SKYbrary. "Unmanned Aircraft Systems." - SKYbrary Aviation Safety. N.p., n.d. Web.

20 July 2015.

6.) Administration, Federal Aviation. "Public Guidance for Petitions for Exemption under

Section 333." FAA.gov. Federal Aviation Administration, n.d. Web.

7.) "FAA Summary Grants Speed UAS Exemptions." FAA Summary Grants Speed UAS

Exemptions. Federal Aviation Administration, n.d. Web. 20 July 2015. Permitting

Recreational and Sport Pilot Certificates. 

8.) FAR Part 91 - Basic VFR Weather Minimums, Code of Federal Regulations § 91.155

(2004). Print.

9.) Administration, Transportation Security. "Vetting of Airmen Certificates and General

Aviation Airport Access and Security Procedures." Department of Homeland

Security. Office of Inspector General, 7 July 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.

10.) MacPherson, Rebecca B. "U.S. DOT / FAA - Office of the Chief Counsel." Letter to Mr.

Timothy John Gilbert. 25 Feb. 2011. MS. 800 Independence Ave. S.W.,

Washington, DC, Maryland. Clarification on "Furtherance of a business."

11.) Federal Aviation Administration. "Exemption No. 11062A Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-

0352." Department of Transportation, 23 July 2015. PDF.

12.) Jensen, Warren, PhD. Ground-Based Visual Observer/Crewmember Training for UAS.

New York, NY: Slideserve.com, 9 July 2008. PPT. Visual Observer and Pilot In

Command Training Guidance and Format.
PETITIONER - South Bay Top 40 DOCUMENT PREPARER – DMZ Marketing, LLC. 58

Exemption References

Exemption # 11467

Exemption # 11905

Exemption # 11797

Exemption # 12031

Exemption # 11865

Exemption # 11364

Exemption # 11587

Exemption # 11857

Exemption # 11293

Exemption # 11814

Exemption # 11540

Exemption # 11345