### June 29 , 2015

Exemption No. 11932 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

–20 15

– 1350

Mr. Thomas Fiset Skyflik Aerial Filming 14 Village Way Plaistow , NH 03865
Dear Mr. Fiset :
This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends. By letter dated April 20, 2015 , you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Skyflik Aerial Filming (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption . The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial photography and videography

. See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA des cribing the proposed operations and the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption

. The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner

. Airworthiness Certification
The UAS proposed by the petitioner are the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus and DJI Phantom 3

. The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates

. In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112

−95 in reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the

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aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore , the FAA finds that the requested relief from 14 CFR part 21 , Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is not necessary.
The Basis for Our Decision You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection 1



### . The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption No s
. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA

−2014

−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Lab s , Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest. Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that

—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 ;
 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213 also apply to the situation you pre sent; and

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.
Our Decision In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, Skyflik Aerial Filming is granted an exemption from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and ( c ), 61.101(e)(4 ) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a) , 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection

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

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by instruments aboard the UA.

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Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Skyf lik Aerial Filming is hereafter referred to as the operator. Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.
1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus and DJI Phantom 3 when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to
amend this exemption

. 2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming are not permitted.
3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.
4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.
5. The UA must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medical certificate or U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ; electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operati ons. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties required of the VO.
7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made availab le to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents,

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the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator must petition for an amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the op erating documents.
8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight characteristics, e.g. , replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test flight prior to conducting further operation s under this exemption. Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.
9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation.
10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre

- flight inspection and determine the UAS is in a condition for safe flight . The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. , inoperable components, items, or equipment. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight.
11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and aircraft components.
12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.
13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight revi ew requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

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14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 1 4 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and experience

-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience

-building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.119.
15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All operations must b e conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.
16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbo l as denoted on the current FAA

-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.
17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet hori zontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.
18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS sign al, the UA must return to a pre
- determined location within the private or controlled

- access property.
19. The PIC must ab ort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.
20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.
21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. The exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA

.

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22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial
number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.
23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcem ent official upon request.
24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times.
25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.
26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:
a. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensurin g the safety of nonparticipating persons ; and b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption.
27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.
28. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that tran sgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTS B) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

.

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If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditi ons and limitations apply.
29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.
30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3

- day notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities must include at least the f ollowing:
a. Dates and times for all flights; b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted under this grant of exemption;
c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on

- scene operation of the UAS; d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;
e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming; f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list o f those who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request; g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes essential to accomplish the operation.
31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the exemption holder’s MPTOM. Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

### 8

This exemption termin ates on June 30, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded. Sincerely, /s/ John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

EnclosuresApril	20 th,	2015

Department of Transportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590

**RE :**  **Exe m**  **p t**  **i o**  **n Reque**  **s t**  **Se ct**  **i o**  **n 33**  **3 o**  **f t**  **h e**  **FA A**  **Re f** **o r**  **m A**  **c t** 

De a r S i r o r M a d a m :
Th i s p et i t i o n i s b e i n g s ub m i tte d o n ou r b e h a l f w i t h o u t l ega l co un se l o r co n s u l t i n g s e rv i c e s
. Pursuan t t o S ect i o n 33 3 o f th e FAA M odern i zat i o n an d R e for m A c t o f 201 2 (th e R e for m A ct) , an d 1 4 C

. F

. R

. Part 11 , Skyflik Aerial Filming, a fu l l serv i c e v i d e o p r o d u c t i o n and photography c o m pa n y , h ereb y app li e s fo r a n exe m p t i o n f r o m th e Federa l A v i at i o n R egu l at i on s (FAR s ) li ste d be l o w t o a ll o w operat i o n o f o u r S m a l l Un m a nn e d A i rcra ft S yste ms ( s UAS ) c o mm erc i a ll y i n a i rspac e reg u l ate d b y t h e Federa l Av i at i o n A d m i n i strat i o n (FAA ) s o l o n g a s s u c h op erat i on s ar e c ondu cte d w i t h a n d unde r th e cond i t i on s out li ne d here i n o r a s m a y b e esta b li s h e d b y t h e FAA a s re qu i re d b y S ect i o n 333.
Th e re qu este d exe m p t i o n wou l d p er m i t Skyflik Aerial Filming t o pu rs u e i t s c o mm erc i a l i n terest s i n pr o v i d i n g serv i ce s t o c li e n t s u s i n g a s m a l l adva n ce d s UAV i n t h e fo ll o w i n g a r ea s :

 Real Estate

 Marketing

 Mapping

 Surveying

 Special Events Skyflik Aerial Filming state s tha t a l l s UA S fli g ht s w il l occu r ove r p r i vat e o r c on tr o ll e d acces s pr o pert y, and w il l d o s o w i t h t h e pr o pert y own er ’s c on se n t a n d k now l e dge. O n l y p e op l e w h o h av e co n se n te d, o r ot h erw i s e h av e agree d t o b e i n t h e a r e a w her e photography or v i deograp h y w il l tak e p l a c e, will be present.

Ad d i t i ona ll y , Skyflik Aerial Filming’s s UA S p il o ts are current, fully certified Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) employed by the Federal Aviation Administration in various terminal (radar and tower) facilities.All pilots in command (PIC) for Skyflik Aerial Filming have graduated

from the FAA Mike M onroney Aeronautical Center for Air Traffic Control, and have completed the following FAA sUAS educational courses:

 (60004746) Special Use Airspace Management System (SAMS) Training (COURSE FAA60004746)

 (50019) Airspace and Procedures (COURSE FAA50019)

 (6 0004461) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (COURSE FAA60004461)

 (27100179) Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (BRIEFING FAA27100179)

 (27100222) Unmanned Aircraft Systems

- Initial (COURSE FAA27100222) Skyflik Aerial Filming believes that ATCS have both an utmost understanding of the National Airspace System and the princip l e s of flight. Therefore , Skyflik Aerial Filming believes that ATCS provide a level of safety and understanding of aviation in the U nited States far greater than the basic requirement of holding a private pilot ’s license.

I f ob server s ar e no t qu a lifi e d private p il o ts or certified ATCS , t h e y w il l atte n d a g r oun d sc hoo l t o und ersta n d t h e p r op e r r o l e s o f a n ob server , which include but are not limited to; c o mm un i c at i o n p r o ce du res , p r op e r v i s u a l sca n tec hn i qu es , op erat i on s a t non - to w ere d a i rport s , an d a pp r op r i at e sect i on s o f t h e A er on a u t i ca l I n fo r m at i o n M a nu a l ( A I M )

. R egu l at i on s f ro m w h i c h exe m pt i o n i s r eque s ted :
1 4 C

. F

. R

. Part 21 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 45.23(b) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 61.113(a ) & (b) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.7(a ) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.9(b ) (2) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.109 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.119 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.121 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.151(a ) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91

. 203 (a ) & (b ) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.205(b) 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.215 1 4 C

. F

. R

. 91.40 1

– 91.417
Un m a nn e d A i rcra ft S y s te m ss UAV s ar e o fte n see n a s s u per i o r t o h e li c o pter s a s a n aer i a l v i d e o

g at h er i n g p l at for m du e to less expensive e qu i p m e n t a n d p ers onn e l c ost , reduce d no i s e and a s s u c h , create a m u c h s m a ll e r e n v i r on m e n ta l i m p ac t wh i c h p r o m o te s pub li c s a fet y. Skyflik Aerial Filming i s p et i t i on i n g fo r a n exe m p t i o n t o op erat e both a D J I Ph a n t o m 2 V i s i o n P l u s and a DJI Phantom 3 Professional. Both models are equipped w i t h a bu il t

- i n stab ili ze d H D ca m era a n d G P S sa fet y feat u re s
. These safety features include the ability to restrict the maximum altitude they operate a bo v e g r oun d l eve l ( AG L) , t o li m i t t h e ra d i al d i sta n c e f r o m t h e op erat o r a n d to exc l ud e them f r o m op erat i on s w i t h i n d e s i gn ate d C l as s B , C an d D a i rspac e i nc l ud i n g “ n o fl y zon e s”

. Both models a l s o h a ve a fa il sa fe f u nct i o n tha t is automatically engaged i n t h e eve n t co mm un i cat i o n i s l os t b et w ee n t h e s UA S a n d t h e m a i n c on tr o ll e r tra n s m i tter

. A t t h a t t i m e , t h e s UA S w il l ret u r n t o i t s po i n t o f take o ff a n d l a n d sa fely

. I f t h e c onn ect i o n i s restored , th e PI C c a n re g a i n c on tr o l o f fli gh t a n d l a n d m a nu a ll y
. Th es e s p ec ifi cat i on s m ee t or exceed t h e Mod e l A i rcra ft Op erat i n g S ta nd ar d s a s se t b e l ow :

 Th e p et i t i on e r w il l on l y op erat e i t s s UA S i n li n e - o f

- s i g h t o f a p il o t a n d/ o r observe r an d w il l ope rat e a t s i te s t h a t ar e ‘ s u ffi c i e n t d i sta n ce ’ f r o m p o pu l ated area s w i t h i n t h e ster il e are a d escr i b e d i n t h e F OPM

. Su c h op erat i on s w il l e n s u r e tha t th e s UA S w il l “no t creat e a hazard t o user s o f th e nat i ona l a i rspac e s y s te m o r th e pub l i c
. ”

 W he n fl y i n g th e s UA S w i th i n thre e (3 ) m il e s o f a n a i rport , a i rport operator s w il l b e no t ifi e d a n d t h e op erat o r w il l g i v e t h e r i gh t

- o f

w a y t o avo i d fl y i n g i n t h e p r o x i m i t y o f fu ll

- sca l e a i rcr a ft.

 M ax i m u m fli g h t t i m e fo r eac h operat i o n w il l b e 3 0 m i nu te s.

 F li ght s w il l b e ter m inate d w he n battery l eve l s reac h 25 % , a ll o w i n g s u ffi c i e n t reserv e fli gh t t i m e t o sa fe l y l a n d t h e s UAS.

 Th e s UA S w il l b e p rog ra mm e d s o i t w il l no t b e op erate d a t a n a l t i t ud e t h a t excee d s 2 0 0 fee t AG L , a n d no t m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 fee t a bo v e a n e l evate d p l at fo r m f ro m wh i c h v i d eo g ra ph y i s p l a nn e d.

 Minimum crew for each operation shall consist of : s UA S p il ot and a v i s u a l s UA S observer.

 Th e s UA S P I C w il l b e a n FAA certified Air Traffic Control Specialist.

 Th e s UA S op erate d b y t h e p et i t i on e r w e i gh s l es s t h a n 2 5 pound s , i n c l ud i n g a l l p ay l o a d ( i. e
. ca m era , l e n s , a n d sta b ili ze d g i m b a l ).

 The s UA S w il l op erat e a t s p ee d s o f n o m o r e t h a n 5 0 k no ts , ca n ho ver , a n d c a n simultaneously move vertically and horizontally.

 G i ve n t h e s m a l l s i z e o f t h e s UA S a n d t h e restr i cte d ster il e e n v i ro n m e n t w i t h i n w h i c h i t w il l operate , Skyflik Aerial Filming ’s operat i o n s ad h er e t o t h e R e for m A ct ’s sa fet y r equ i r e m ent s.Th e fac t t h at all Skyflik Aerial Filming’s p il o ts are FAA

- certified ATCS

de m on strate s the company’s h i g h regard fo r sa fe operat i on s w i t h a n extensive understand i n g o f FAR s , pr e - fli g h t i ns p ect i ons , kno w l e dg e o f NAS o p erat i on s an d d iffe rence s i n a i rs p a c e c l ass ifi cat i on s , m a i n te n a n c e a n d repa i r , a s w e l l a s be i n g tra i n e d t o the h i g hest s a fet y sta n da r d s in aviation.
Un de r t h e req u este d exe m pt i o n , Skyflik Aerial Filming e n s u re s a l l o pe r at or s hav e co m p l ete d s UA S educat i o n an d tra i n i n g progra m s, while also thoroughly understanding a l l app l i c ab l e re gu l at i on s a n d gu i d a n c e do c u m e n ts. Guidance documents include aer on a u t i ca l b a c k g r o un d i n for m at i o n, s u c h a s c h arts , NO TAM S a n d A i rcra ft C i rc u l ars ; R ad i o C o mm un i c at i o n s Procedures ; H u m a n Factor s an d C re w R esourc e M anage m ent ; B as i c s UA S A erodyna m i cs ; W eathe r factors ; A i r m ansh i p an d D ec i s i o n - m ak i n g a n d S a fe O perat i o n s P roc e du r e s.
W e respect i ve l y reques t exe m pt i o n unde r S ect i o n 33 3 t o enab l e Skyflik Aerial Filming t o operat e e ffi c i ent , li m i ted , l o w - r i s k c o mm erc i a l s UA S op erat i on s fo r th e act i v i t i e s state d respect i n g a t a l l t i m e s th e spac e an d pr i vac y o f c i t i zen s an d p r op ert y wh il e kee p i n g a i rs p ac e s a fe.
S i ncere l y s ub m i tted ,

Thomas Fiset Jason Michaud 14 Village Way 6 3 Antone Ave Plaistow, NH 03865 Falmouth, MA 02536 603

- 702

- 2474 508

- 345

- 9727
**EXE M**  **PT I**  **O N**  **REQUEST S**  **AN D**  **EQU I**  **VALEN T**  **LEVE L**  **O F**  **SAFET Y**  Skyflik Aerial Filming re qu est s a n exe m p t i o n f r o m t h e fo ll o w i n g re gu l at i on s a s w e l l a s a n y a dd i t i on a l re gu l at i on s t h a t m a y tec hn i ca ll y a pp l y t o th e operat i o n o f th e s UAV S y s te m :
**1 4**  **CF R**  **Par t**  **21 ,**  **A i**  **r w**  **or t**  **h i**  **nes s**  **Cer tifi**  **ca t**  **e s**  Th i s pa rt es t ab li she s t h e p rocedu re s fo r t h e i ssuanc e o f a n a irw o rt h i nes s ce rtifi ca t e
. W h il e t h e FAA con ti nue s t o w o r k t o deve l o p a irw o rt h i nes s s t anda rd s fo r Un m anne d Ae ri a l Sys t e m s , w e reques t a n expe ri m en t a l ce rtifi ca t e b e i ssue d fo r t h e D J I Phan t o m 2 V i s i o n P l u sand DJI Phantom 3 Professional unde r e it he r , o r bo t h , o f t h e

fo ll o w i n g p rov i s i ons : 21

. 19 1 Expe ri m en t a l ce rtifi ca t es
. Expe ri m en t a l ce rtifi ca t e s a re i ssue d fo r t he fo ll o w i n g pu r poses : **(a )**  **R esearc**  **h an**  **d deve**  **l op**  **m en**  **t .**  Tes ti n g ne w a irc ra ft des i g n concep t s , ne w a irc r a ft equ i p m en t , ne w a irc ra ft i ns t a ll a ti ons , ne w a irc ra ft ope ra ti n g t echn i ques , o r ne w use s fo r a irc ra ft

. **(b )**  **Sho w**  **i n**  **g co**  **m p**  **li anc**  **e w**  **it h**  **regu l**  **a ti**  **ons .**  Conduc ti n g fli gh t t es t s an d o t he r ope ra ti on s t o sho w co m p li anc e w it h t h e a irw o rt h i nes s regu l a ti on s i nc l ud i n g fli gh t s t o sho w co m p li anc e fo r i ssuanc e o f t yp e an d supp l e m en t a l t yp e ce rtifi ca t es , fli gh t s t o subs t an ti a t e m a j o r des i g n changes , an d fli gh t s t o sho w co m p li anc e w it h t h e func ti o n an d re li ab ilit y requ ire m en t s o f t h e regu l a ti ons
. S i nc e t h e expe ri m en t a l ce rtifi ca t e can b e use d fo r co mm e rc i a l pu r pose s suc h a s m a r ke t su rveys , sa l e s de m ons t ra ti ons , an d cus t o m e r c re w tra i n i ng , w e w ou l d expec t t ha t a n expe ri m en t a l ce rtifi ca t e w ou l d pe r m i t ou r co mm e rc i a l pu r pos e a s w e ll

. Th e a irc ra ft w il l no t ca rry pe r son s or p rope rt y , w il l no t ca rry f ue l , an d w il l on l y fl y unde r s tri c t ope ra ti ona l requ ire m en t s
. Co m b i ne d w it h t h e UA ' s li gh t w e i gh t , be i n g cons tr uc t e d p ri m a ril y o f ca r bo n fi be r an d p l as ti c , w e p ropos e t ha t t h e U A w il l b e a t l eas t a s sa fe , i f no t sa fe r , t ha n a conven ti ona ll y ce rtifi ca t e d a irc ra ft pe rfo r m i n g t h e sa m e m i ss i on
. I f a n expe ri m en t a l a irw o rt h i nes s ce rtifi ca t e i s no t app rop ri a t e fo r t h i s app li ca ti on , t he n w e reques t an exe m p ti o n o f 1 4 CF R Pa rt 21 , Subpa rt H , an d t h e requ ire m en t fo r a n a irw o rt h i nes s ce rtifi ca t e i n gene ra l , c iti n g t h e equ i va l en t l eve l o f sa fe t y ou tli ne d i n t h e p rev i ou s pa rag r aph.
**1 4**  **CF R**  **45 .**  **2 3**  **D i**  **sp l**  **a y**  **o f**  **m arks**  **; genera**  **l an**  **d 45**  **. 2**  **9 S**  **i z**  **e o**  **f m**  **ark s**  Thes e regu l a ti on s p rov i d e t ha t eac h a irc ra ft m us t d i sp l a y " N " an d t h e a irc ra ft' s reg i s tra ti o n nu m be r i n l e tt e rs a t l eas t 3 i nche s h i gh

. Add iti ona ll y , t h e a irc ra ft m us t d i sp l a y t h e w o rd " EXPER I M ENTAL " i n l e tt e r s a t l eas t 2 i nche s h i g h nea r t h e en tranc e t o t h e cab i n , cockp it , o r p il o t s t a ti on
. Th e sUAV doe s no t hav e a n en tranc e i n w h i c h t h e w o rd

" EXPER I M ENTAL " ca n b e p l aced , an d m a y no t hav e a reg i s tra ti o n nu m be r ass i gne d t o i t b y t h e FAA

. W e p ropos e t o ach i ev e a n equ i va l en t l eve l o f sa fe t y b y i nc l ud i n g t h e w o rd "EXPER I M ENTAL " i n t h e p l aca rd o n t h e t o p o f t h e a irc ra ft , as sho w n above , w he re t h e P I C , V O an d o t he r s i n t h e v i c i n it y o f t h e a irc ra ft w h il e i t i s p repa ri n g fo r l aunc h w il l b e ab l e t o se e t h e des i gna ti on
. Add iti ona ll y , w e fee l t ha t t he pe r m anen t p l aca rd d i scusse d i n t h e p rev i ou s pa rag rap h w il l p rov i d e t h e a irc ra ft' s reg i s tra ti o n i n fo r m a ti o n a t t h e g roun d s t a ti on
. F i na ll y , w e w il l d i sp l a y a t t h e g roun d s t a ti o n a h i g h con tras t fl a g , banne r or sign t ha t con t a i n s t h e w o rd s " Un m anne d A irc ra ft G roun d S t a ti on " i n l e tt e r s 3 i nche s h i g h o r g rea t e r
. S i nc e t h e a irc ra f t w il l ope ra te w it h i n 3 / 4 N M o f t h e g roun d s t a ti on , t h e banne r shou l d b e v i s i b l e t o anyon e t ha t obse rve s t h e a irc ra ft an d choose s t o i nves ti ga t e it s po i n t o f o ri g i n.**1 4**  **CF R**  **91**
**. 7**  **Proh i**  **b it**  **s t**  **h e**  **O pera**  **ti o**  **n o**  **f a**  **n a**  **i rcra**  **f t**  **w it**  **hou t**  **a n**  **a i**  **r w**  **or t**  **h i**  **nes s**  **cer tifi**  **ca t**  **e .**  A s n o suc h ce rtifi ca t e w il l b e app li cab l e i n t h e fo r m con t e m p l a t e d b y t h e FARs , t h i s Regu l a ti o n i s i napp li cab l e
. **1 4**  **CF R**  **91**
**. 9**  **C i**  **v i**  **l a**  **i rcra**  **f t**  **fli gh**  **t m**  **anua l**  **, m**  **ark i**  **ng ,**  **an d**  **p l**  **a c**  **ar d**  **requ i**  **re m**  **ents .**  Th i s regu l a ti o n p rov i de s t ha t n o pe r so n m a y ope ra t e a n a irc ra ft un l es s a cu rren t , app rove d fli gh t m anua l i s i n t h e a irc ra ft

. W e assu m e t ha t t h e i n t en t o f t h i s requ ire m en t i s t o ensu re t ha t fli gh t m anua l i n fo r m a ti o n i s ava il ab l e t o t h e a irc re w w h il e ope ra ti n g t h e a irc ra ft

. W e reques t a n exe m p ti o n t o t h i s requ ire m en t s i nc e t h e a irc ra f t i s no t on l y t o o s m a l l t o ca rry docu m en t a ti on , t h e docu m en t a ti o n w ou l d not b e ava il ab l e t o t h e c re w du ri n g fli gh t ope ra ti ons
. T o ob t a i n a n equ i va l en t l eve l of sa fe ty an d m ee t t h e i n t en t o f 91

. 9 , w e p ropos e t ha t a cu rren t , app rove d sUA S F li ght M anua l m us t b e ava il ab l e t o t h e c re w a t t h e g roun d s t a ti o n any ti m e t h e a irc ra ft i s i n , o r p repar i n g fo r , fli gh t

. **1 4**  **CF R**  **91**
**. 10**  **9 F**  **li gh**  **t Ins**  **t ruc**  **ti on**  **; S**  **i m**  **u l**  **a t**  **e d**  **i ns**  **t ru**  **m en**  **t fli**  **gh t**  **an d**  **cer t**  **a i**  **n fli**  **gh t**  **t es**  **t s**  **.** Th e regu l a ti o n s t a t e s " N o pe r so n m a y ope ra t e a c i v i l a irc ra f t t ha t i s be i n g use d for fli gh t i ns tr uc ti o n un l es s t ha t a irc ra ft ha s f u ll y f unc ti on i n g dua l con tro l s
. " Th e sUA S Sys t e m g round

- base d con tro l s t a ti o n cons i s t s o f a hand

- he l d rad i o trans m itt e r and w h il e i t doe s no t o ffe r a secon d se t o f "con tro l s" , bo t h t h e s t uden t an d i ns tr uc t o r can , an d w ill , ope ra t e t h e s i ng l e se t o f con tro l s s i m u lt aneous l y
. W it h bo t h s t uden t an d i ns tr uc t o r hav i n g "hands

- on " t h e con tro l s du ri n g fli gh t , t h i s t e chn i qu e m ee t s t h e i n t en t 91

. 10 9 an d p rov i de s a n equ i va l en t l eve l o f sa fe t y
. **91**
**. 11**  **9 M**  **i n**  **i m**  **u m**  **sa f** **e a**  **ltit udes**  **: G**  **enera l** 
**.** Th e regu l a ti o n s t a t e s t ha t ove r spa r se l y popu l a t e d a rea s t h e a irc ra ft canno t be ope ra t e d c l ose r t ha n 50 0 fee t t o an y pe r son , vesse l , veh icl e , o r s tr uc t u re
. S i nc e t h e t yp i ca l m i ss i o n o f t h e sUA S w ou l d b e pho t og raph y o r su rve y o f pe r sons , vesse l s , veh i c l e s o r s tr uc t u re s i t w ou l d b e necessa ry t o ope ra t e c l ose r t ha n 50 0 fee t t o t h e it e m s li s t ed

. O pe ra ti on s w il l on l y b e fl o w n ove r p rope rt y o r pe r son s w he re pe r m i ss i o n ha s bee n ob t a i ne d an d ca re f u l p re - p l anne d ha s bee n pe rfo r m ed

. Th e a irc ra ft w il l be ope ra t e d a t a l o w a ltit ud e a ll o w i ng , i f a po w e r un i t fa il s , a n e m e rgenc y l and i ng w it hou t undu e haza rd t o pe r son s o r p rope rt y o n t h e su rface
. The re fo re w e m a i n t a i n t ha t du e t o t h e s m a l l s i z e o f t h e UAS , t h e haza rd t o pe r sons , veh i c l e s an d s tr uc t u re s i s m i n i m a l co m pa re d t o m anne d a irc ra ft , w h i c h shou l d b e cons i de re d i n g ran ti n g t h e exe m p ti on
.**CF R**  **91**
**. 12**  **1 A**  **l t**  **i m**  **ete r**  **sett i**  **ngs .** 

Th e regu l a ti o n requ ire s t ha t a irc ra ft sha l l m a i n t a i n c r u i s i n g a ltit ude s b y re fe renc e t o a n a lti m e t e r se tti n g ava il ab l e w it h i n 10 0 N M o f t h e a irc ra ft

. Th e sUA S w il l a l w ay s fl y be l o w 2 0 0 fee t A G L an d w il l no t nee d t o m a i n t a i n c r u i s i n g a ltit ude s i n o rde r t o p r even t con fli c t w it h o t he r a i rc ra ft

. A n Abov e G roun d Leve l a lti m e t e r m easu re m en t abov e t h e t akeo ff po i n t i s trans m itt e d v i a rad i o fro m t h e sUA S on - boa rd co m pu t e r t o t h e d i sp l a y sc ree n he l d b y t h e P I C , p rov i d i n g a cons t an tl y upda t e d A G L readou t. In the event that this feature is unavailable, no flight will be conducted.
**1 4**  **CF R**  **91**
**. 15**  **1 Fue**  **l requ**  **i re**  **m en**  **t s**  **f o**  **r fli**  **gh t**  **i n**  **VF R**  **cond iti**  **ons .**  Th e regu l a ti o n p rov i de s t ha t n o pe r so n m a y beg i n a fli gh t i n a n a ir p l an e unde r day

- VF R cond iti on s un l es s t he re i s enoug h fue l t o fl y t o t h e fir s t po i n t o f i n t ende d l and i n g an d t o fl y a ft e r t ha t fo r a t l eas t 3 0 m i nu t es
. W e fee l t h e int en ti o n o f t h i s pa rag rap h i s t o p rov i d e a n ene rg y rese rv e a s a sa fe t y bu ffe r fo r de l ay s t o l and i ng
. Th e sUAV i s ba tt e ry ope ra t e d an d t h e m ax i m u m du ra ti o n o f fli gh t fro m a s i ng l e ba tt e ry cha rg e i s 1 2 m i nu t e s w it h a 20 % rese rve
. S i nc e t h e a irc ra f t w il l neve r fl y m o re t ha n 3 / 4 NM fro m t h e po i n t o f i n t ende d l and i ng , a f u l l ba tt e ry cha rg e a t l aunc h w il l ensu re t ha t w e m ee t t h e rese rv e ene rg y requ ire m en t o f t h i s pa rag raph

. W e reques t a n exe m p ti o n t o t h e w o rd "f ue l " an d as k fo r a n equ i va l en t i n t e r p re t a ti o n w it h th e w o rd

" ene rgy "

. **1 4**  **CF R**  **91**
**. 203(a**  **) &**  **(b )**  **C i**  **v i**  **l a**  **i rcra**  **ft :**  **Cer tifi**  **ca ti**  **on s**  **requ i**  **red.** Th e regu l a ti o n p rov i de s t ha t a n a irw o rt h i nes s ce rtifi ca t e , w it h t h e reg i s tra ti on nu m be r ass i gne d t o t h e a irc ra ft an d a reg i s tra ti o n ce rtifi ca t e m us t b e aboa rd t he a irc ra ft

. Add iti ona ll y , subpa rag rap h ( b ) p rov i de s t ha t t h e a irw o rt h i nes s ce rtifi ca t e b e " d i sp l aye d a t t h e cab i n o r cockp i t en tranc e s o t ha t i t i s l eg i b l e t o passenge r s o r c r e w
. " A t a m ax i m u m g ros s w e i gh t o f 5

. 3 pounds , t h e sUA S i s t o o s m a l l t o ca rry docu m en t a ti on , doe s no t hav e a n en trance , an d i s no t capab l e o f ca rry i ng passenge r s o r c re w
. T o ob t a i n a n equ i va l en t l eve l o f sa fe t y an d m ee t t h e i n t en t of 91

. 203 , w e p ropos e t ha t docu m en t s dee m e d app rop ri a t e fo r t h i s a irc ra ft b y t h e FAA w il l b e co - l oca t e d w it h t h e c re w a t t h e g roun d con tro l s t a ti o n an d ava il ab l e fo r i nspec ti o n upo n reques t

. I n o rde r t o i den tify t h e a irc ra ft , w e p ropos e t ha t t h e i n fo r m a ti o n foun d o n a irw o rt h i nes s an d reg i s tra ti o n ce rtifi ca t e s b e pe r m anen tly a ffi xe d t o t h e a irc ra ft v i a p l aca rd con t a i n i n g t h e fo ll o w i n g i n fo r m ati o n p l u s t h e w o rd " EXPER I M ENTAL " t o sa ti s fy t h e requ ire m en t o f 1 4 CF R 45

. 23

. **1 4**  **CF R**  **Subpar t**  **E 91** 
**. 401**  **- 91** 
**. 41**  **7 -**  **M a**  **i ntenance**  **, Prevent**  **i v**  **e M**  **a i**  **ntenance ,**  **A lt**  **era ti**  **on s** Th e regu l a ti o n p rov i de s t ha t t h e ope ra t o r i s p ri m a ril y respons i b l e fo r

m a i n t a i n i n g t he a irc ra ft i n a n a irw o rt h y cond iti on , i nc l ud i n g co m p li anc e w it h pa rt 3 9 an d 43

. Pa rag raph s 91

. 40 7 an d 91

. 40 9 requ ire t h a t t h e a irc ra ft b e " app rove d fo r re t u r n t o se rv i c e b y a pe r so n au t ho ri ze d unde r 43

. 7 " a ft e r m a i n t enanc e an d i nspec ti on
. I t is ou r i n t en ti o n t ha t t h e P I C pe rfo r m m a i n t enanc e an d i nspec ti o n o f t h e a irc ra ft an d "be au t ho ri ze d t o app rov e t h e a irc ra ft fo r re t u r n t o se rv i ce
. " Th e P I C w il l ensu re t ha t t he a irc ra ft i s i n a n a irw o rt h y cond iti o n p ri o r t o eve ry fli gh t an d i n add iti o n conduc t de t a il e d i nspec ti on s a ft e r eve ry t w o hou r s o f fli gh t

. M a i n t enanc e pe rfo r m e d b y t he P I C i s li m it e d t o repa iri n g s m a l l c racks , rep l ac i n g a p rope ll e r , check i n g e l ec tri ca l connec ti on s an d upda ti n g so ft w a re an d fir mw a re fo r t h e o n - boa rd co m pu t e r
. The manufacturer, or their designated repair facility, will perform all other maintenance

. Th e P I C w il l docu m en t w o r k pe rfo r m e d i n acco rdanc e w it h 91

. 417

. W e fee l t ha t du e t o t h e s i ze , cons tr uc ti on , an d s i m p li c it y o f t h e a irc ra ft , t h e P I C ca n ensu re a n equ i va l en t l eve l o f sa fe t y
.