APPLICATION/ PETITION FOR EXEMPTION (Drone “UAV” USE)

Jonathan Ferguson

Layton Construction Company (LCC)

9090 South Sandy Parkway

Sandy Utah, 84070

(801) 707-1738

Email: Jferguson@laytonconstruction.com

STATED SECTION(S) FOR RELIEF SOUGHT

Jonathan Ferguson (Senior Visualization Manager with Layton Construction Company) does 

herby submit and request exemptions to FAA Rules for Drone (UAV) usage, and seeks stated Special 

Airworthiness Certificate – Experimental Category (SAC-EC). Layton Construction Company (LCC) is a 

nationwide General Contractor in the commercial construction category. At this time LCC is fully insured, 

and legal in all 50 states.

RELIEF DEFINED FOR EXEMPTION

As current Senior Visualization Manager with LCC, Jonathan Ferguson seeks the permission for 

the use of a Drone (UAV) to be used for Commercial purposes, to fly and inspect current and potential 

work sites, and buildings. Layton Construction has in the past employed the use of professional 

helicopter and airplane pilots to do this work at a rate of $500.00 per flight hour. The use of a drone 

would dramatically change our ability to safely and cost effectively survey and inspect large plots of 

land. The small footprint and lower altitude of flight would be a safer alternative to the public in 

contrast to the larger Helicopters and Airplanes previously used. The video and photography retrieved 

by said drone is to be used solely as a tool for Layton Construction Company and its affiliates to better 

understand site conditions, dangers and overall topography. 

Jonathan Ferguson, Shall at all times, and as a minimum, observe all applicable regulations of 14 

CFR parts 61 and 91. This document is intended to identify alternate methods of compliance with the 

regulations when evaluating proposed UAS operations. Since the applicant in this instance is an 

individual with training in this specific Drone (UAV) and is trained in the use and flight of this device, it is

proposed that this is a safe process. 

SAFETY AND ADHERENCE AND BENEFIT THEREOF

Jonathan Ferguson, shall at all times relevant, operate and adhere with their UAV, and 

understanding fully, “which must be flown within the line of sight of the operator less than 400 feet 

above the ground, during daylight conditions, inside Class G (uncontrolled) airspace and more than five 
miles from any airport. “. The drone to be used is a DJI Inspire 1, which has several built in fail safes and 

safety measures including Vision Positioning technology that provides accurate position 

holding even when GPS is unavailable. The sensors determine your Inspire 1’s location and altitude 

and lower the legs automatically when landing. It also includes Intelligent Power Management Systems, 

Advanced algorithms calculate the distance of your aircraft and estimated time to return home, letting 

you know when it’s time to fly back. Some more features include, but are not limited to: Live Map and 

Radar, Flight Telemetry, Auto Take Off and Landing. All of these features will allow Jonathan the upmost 

control and safety when used within the FAA’s rules and guidelines.

SUMMARY

WHEREFORE, the applicant Jonathan Ferguson, respectfully requests an exemption to lawfully, within 

the stated regulations of the FAA and others, and as stated, operate a UAV for the sole purpose of 

inspection of current and potential job sites, buildings and structures, for the use of Layton Construction 

Company and its affiliates. FURTHER, it is stated and affirmed here, that Jonathan Ferguson has made an 

application for the required Special Airworthiness Certificate – Experimental Category (SAC-EC).

Respectfully submitted this 26th day of May, 2015.

Jonathan Ferguson

Jonathan Ferguson

Layton Construction Company (LCC)

9090 South Sandy Parkway

Sandy Utah, 84070

(801) 707-1738

Email: Jferguson@laytonconstruction.com