September 3, 2015

Exemption No. 12748

Regulatory Docket No. FAA−2015−2531

Ms. M. Anne Swanson

Cooley LLP

Counsel for Media General Inc.

1299 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004

Dear Ms. Swanson:

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 letters dated June 3 and June 25, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Media General, Inc. (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. 

The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

videography, data collection, and closed-set filming for motion picture and television.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Inspire 1.
2

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 aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation 

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

finds that relief from 14 CFR part 21, 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 collection1and closed set motion picture and 

filming. The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material 

respects to those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus 

Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 

11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642), 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 present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Media General, Inc. is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 

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

the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection 

and closed set motion picture and filming. 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.
3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Media General, Inc. is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Inspire 1 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 

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 operations. The PIC 

must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the 

duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 
4

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 operating documents.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo 

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other 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 review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.
5

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(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 be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be 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.
6

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

25. The UAS may not be operated by 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 ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a 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 controlled-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 transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS−80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions 

contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.
7

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

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

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the 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 following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of 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 of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

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

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on September 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
cool ex 

M. Anne Swanson 

T: + 1 202 776 2534 

aswanson@cooley .com 

June 3, 2015 

Mr. William Crozier 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office 

AFS-80 

800 Independence Ave., S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20591 

Dear Mr. Crozier: 

Enclosed please find an exemption application filed on behalf of Media General, Inc. under 

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to allow 

commercial operations of unmanned aircraft. 1 

Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact the undersigned. 

~~------------ -~---..... . Anne Swanson 

MAS:vcd 

Enclosures 

cc: Robert Pappas 

Jake Troutman 

Dean Griffith, Esquire 

Tt1uy H. Cooper 

Andrew C. Carington, General Counsel, Media General, Inc. 

Henry R. Gola, Associate General Counsel, Media General, Inc. 

1 Confidential manuals associated with this request, which are exempt from disclosure under the 

Freedom of Information Act, are being filed under separate cover. 

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CooleY, 

M. Anne Swanson 

T: +l 202 776 2534 

aswanson@cooley .com 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Docket Management System 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

June 3, 2015 

RE: Exemption Request Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and 

Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the "Reform Act") 

and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, Media General, Inc. ("Media General") seeks an exemption from the 

Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") listed below and discussed in Appendix A. 1 Media 

General seeks exemption from the listed FARs to allow its use of the DJI Inspire 1 in (i) 

commercial aerial videography, including but not limited to, newsgathering and production of 

content for airing on its stations, and (ii) aerial data collection, involving, but not limited to, 

review, inspection, assessment, and monitoring of industrial and other properties, so long as 

those operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined herein or as 

established by the FAA in an exemption granted under either Section 333 or Section 49 U.S. C. 

§ 44701(f). 

Media General will operate in conformity with the separately filed flight operations and aircraft 

flight manuals. 2 In addition, the operating conditions and limitations set forth below are identical 

to those in the exemption granted to Aeryon Labs, lnc. 3 The only material difference in this 

request is a change in the aircraft that Media General proposes to use; however, the FAA has 

granted other petitioners' exemption requests for use of the DJI Inspire 1 in various commercial 

1 See Pub. Law 112-95, 126 Stat. 11, § 333 (2012). 

2 Media General requests that these manuals be maintained in confidence and not be placed in 

the public docket or otherwise disclosed to the public. As the information contained in the 

manuals includes trade secrets and commercial information that is confidential and not made 

available to the public, it is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5. 

U.S.C. § 552(b) and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 . Should the FAA receive a request for access to these 

manuals, we would request notification of such request prior to any action being taken by the 

FAA, as it may relate to the request. 

3 See Aeryon Labs, Inc. , FAA Exemption No. 11213, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-201 4-0642 

(Mar. 24, 2015). 

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Page Two 

uses4 Because the DJI Inspire 1 specified in this request is the same craft as the ones already 

approved in Exemptions 11458 and 11463, and Media General will operate the aircraft in strict 

compliance with the conditions in existing exemptions previously granted by the FAA, or as they 

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

solicited. 

Media General proposes to use a small, lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV") - the DJI 

Inspire 1 - to conduct aerial videography and aerial data collection, as noted above. For 

instance, in using the DJI Inspire 1 to collect broadcast footage, Media General will be able to 

provide its viewers with innovative programming and better coverage of events and issues of 

importance to its local communities. 

Operations under the exemption will be subject to strict operating requirements and conditions 

to ensure at least an equivalent level of safety to currently authorized operations using manned 

aircraft and under conditions as may be modified by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would authorize commercial operations 

using the DJI Inspire 1, which with a maximum take-off weight of 6.4 pounds is small in size. 

The DJI Inspire 1 will be operated under controlled conditions at low altitude in airspace that is 

limited in scope; it will have automated control features. The DJI Inspire 1 also will be operated 

by an individual possessing a recreational or sport pilot certificate and a U.S. state issued 

driver's license. Media General hereby requests a blanket COA for flights up to 200 feet above 

ground level in the form approved by the FAA. Media General acknowledges that under current 

FAA guidance, a separate Certificate of Waiver or Authorization ("COA") is required to fly at 

altitudes above 200 feet above ground level, and it will apply for COAs when required . Media 

General will also file Notices to Airmen for its flights, as required. 

Media General respectfully submits that because this small, unmanned aerial vehicle - the DJI 

Inspire 1 -will be used in lieu of comparatively hazardous operations now conducted with fixed 

wing and rotary conventional aircraft, the FAA can have confidence that the operations will 

achieve at least an equivalent level or greater level of safety. Approval of this exemption would 

thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) 

responsibilities under Section 333(c) of the Reform Act to "establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system." 

The name and address of the applicant are: 

Media General, Inc. 

Attn: Henry R. Gala 

333 East Franklin Street 

Richmond, VA 23219 

4 See e.g. , Mr. Christopher Gardner, FAA Exemption No. 11458, Regulatory Docket No. FAA2015-0257 (May 5, 2015); Jeff Skelley Studio, FAA Exemption No. 11463, Regulatory Docket 

No. FAA-2015-0237 (May 5, 2015). 

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Coo let, 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

June 3, 2015 

Page Three 

Ph: 804-887-5000 

Email: hgola@mediageneral.com 

The regulations from which the exemption is requested are as follows: 

14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a) & (c); 

14 C.F.R. § 61.101 (e)(4) & (5) 

14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a); 

14 C.F.R. § 61.315(a); 

14 C.F.R. § 91 .7(a); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.407(a)(1); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.409(a)(2); 

14 C.F.R. § 91.417(a) & (b) 

Appendix A discusses each rule listed above and explains why exemptions pursuant to the 

proposal set forth in this letter are appropriate, will provide an equivalent level of safety, and will 

be in the public interest. 

THE APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SECTION 333 

Media General submits that grant of this exemption application for commercial use of the DJI 

Inspire 1 will advance the Congressional mandate in Section 333 of the Reform Act to 

accelerate the introduction of unmanned aerial systems ("UASs") into the national airspace 

system ("NAS") if it can be accomplished safely. This law directs the Secretary of 

Transportation to consider whether certain UASs may operate safely in the NAS before 

completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the Reform Act. In making this 

determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of UASs do not create a 

hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national security in light of the 

following: 

• The UAS's size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

• Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and 

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

Reform Act § 333(a)(1). If the Secretary determines that such vehicles "may operate safely in 

the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation 

of such aircraft in the national airspace system." /d. § 333(c) (emphasis added). 5 

5 Applicant submits that this provision places a duty on the Administrator to not only process 

applications for exemptions under Section 333, but for the Administrator, if he deems the 

conditions proposed herein require modification to allow approval, to supply conditions for the 

safe operation of the UAS. Media General welcomes the opportunity to consult with FAA staff in 

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The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This 

statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under 

§ 40101 of the Act, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a current airworthiness 

certificate and those regulations requiring commercial pilots to operate aircraft in commercial 

service: 

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

prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702-

44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption is in the public interest. 

49 U.S.C. § 44701 (f). See also 49 U.S.C. § 44711 (a); 49 U.S. C. § 44704; 14 C.F.R. 

§ 91 .203(a)(1). 

The grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest based on the clear direction in 

Section 333 of the Reform Act; the additional authority in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; 

the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations; and the significant 

public benefit, including enhanced safety and cost savings associated with transitioning to UASs 

for aerial videography and aerial data collection. Accordingly, the applicant respectfully 

requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption without delay.

6 

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY 

The applicant proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft that have the 

characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for at 

least an equivalent or even higher level of safety to operations under the current regulatory 

structure because the proposed operations represent a safety enhancement to operations that 

would be conducted with conventional aircraft. 

These limitations and conditions, which are drawn from the exemption granted to Aeryon Labs, 

Exemption No. 11213, and to which Media General (or "operator") agrees to be bound when 

conducting commercial operations, are as follows: 

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Inspire 1 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 grant. 

order to address any issues or concerns that this proposal may raise that they believe may 

require modification. 

6 In filing this application, Media General also is requesting that the FAA, as it has in recent 

decisions, combine the grant of the Section 333 exemption with a stand-alone Certificate of 

Operation ("COA") that will allow commercial operation of the DJI Inspire 1 without the necessity 

of filing for a COA for each flight. Compliance with the conditions agreed to herein and those 

that may be imposed by the FAA, as set forth in prior Section 333 exemptions, provide the 

separation needed from other aircraft. Notice to airmen and notice to air traffic control can be 

provided by the filing of a NOT AM as set forth within the proposed conditions. 

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Page Five 

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are not 

permitted . 

3. The UAS may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). 

Media General may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the speed restriction. In no case will the UAS be operated at airspeeds 

greater than the maximum UAS operating airspeed recommended by the aircraft 

manufacturer, which in this case is 43 knots (49 miles per hour). 

4. The UAS 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 UAS 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 UAS 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 operations. The PIC must be designated before the 

flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC 

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

7. The exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in the grant of 

exemption are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the 

conditions and limitations in the exemption 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 operating 

documents. 

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8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

or flight characteristics, e.g., replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a 

functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other 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 a 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 Colombia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a 

possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review 

requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his 

or her pilot certificate. 

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the ability 

to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining 

appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures. PIC qualification 

flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 

61 .51 (b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator's PICs and VOs (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. 

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15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1 . All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized . 

16. The UAS 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 symbol 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 UAS may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet 

horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. 

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS must return to a 

predetermined location within the private or controlled-access property. 

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 

20. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast 

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the intended 

operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power 

recommended by the manufacturer if greater. 

21 . Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an A TO-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. 

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 

(N-Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be 

as large as practicable. 

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC 

at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These 

documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official 

upon request. 

24. The UAS 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. 

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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 UAS 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 ensuring the safety of 

nonparticipating persons; and, 

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted 

permission for operating closer to those objects and the PIC has made a 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 controlled-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 transgresses the lateral or vertical 

boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported 

to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be 

reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained 

on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov. 

******** 

Privacy. All Media General UAS operations will be conducted in accordance with applicable 

federal , state, or local laws regarding privacy. 

National Security. No national security issue is raised by the grant of this exemption. Given 

the size, load carrying capacity, speed at which the DJI Inspire 1 operates, and the fact that it 

carries no explosives or other dangerous materials, the UAS poses no threat to national 

security. 

******** 

In summary, Media General seeks an exemption from the FARs set forth in Appendix A to 

operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less) in aerial videography and 

aerial data operations, as described above. 

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Approval of this exemption for commercial operations will enhance safety by reducing risk. 

Conventional operations, using jet or piston powered aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes 

just feet from the subject being inspected and in extreme proximity to people and structures. 

Such manned operations present the risks associated with vehicles that weigh in excess of 

6,000 lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel. Such aircraft must fly to and from the 

project location. In contrast, a small UAS ("sUAS"), like the DJI Inspire 1, which weighs fewer 

than seven pounds. and is powered by batteries, eliminates virtually all of that risk given the 

reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The sUAS is carried to the target 

area and not flown. The sUAS will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will not expose 

such individuals to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. 

The operation of this small craft, weighing less than seven pounds, conducted in the strict 

conditions outlined above, will provide an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the 

exemptions requested herein. These lightweight aircraft operate at slow speeds, close to the 

ground, and in areas that are under the control of the operator. As a result, they are far safer 

than would be conventional operations conducted with manned aircraft flying in close proximity 

to the ground and people. 

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 20·12 - size, weight, 

speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within 

visual line of sight, and national security - provides more than adequate justification for the 

grant of this requested exemption to allow commercial operation of applicant's UAS for the 

purposes outlined herein. The grant will be consistent with exemptio.ns already granted. 

' M. Anne Swanso 

Counsel for Media General, Inc. 

cc: William Crozier 

Robert Pappas 

Jake Troutman 

Dean Griffith, Esquire 

Thuy H. Cooper 

Andrew C. Carington, General Counsel , Media General, Inc. 

Henry R. Gola, Associate General Counsel, Media General, Inc. 

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APPENDIX A 

EXEMPTION REQUEST AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY DEMONSTRATION UNDER 

APPLICABLE RULES SUBJECT TO EXEMPTION 

Media General requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any additional 

regulations that may technically apply to its operation of the OJI Inspire 1: 

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

Sections 61.23(a) and (c) address the requirement of medical certificates for pilots. Section 

61 .23(a) requires a person exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot to hold at least a third 

class medical certificate. Section 61.23(c) permits the holder of a sport pilot certificate to act as 

PIC of a light-sport aircraft with either a medical certificate or U.S. issued driver's license. Lightsport aircraft may weigh up to 1 ,430 pounds and seat up to two persons, including the pilot. 

Comparatively, the DJI Inspire 1 will weigh fewer than seven pounds, and it will not carry pilots, 

passengers, or cargo. The UAS will also be operated within visual line of sight of the PIC and 

below 400 feet above ground level and limited to operations with permission over private or 

controlled-access property. 

Given these safety parameters, Media General requests that the FAA waive Section 61.23(a) 

upon a finding that an equivalent level of safety will be provided by allowing operation of the OJI 

Inspire 1 by pilots with a recreational or sport pilot certificate and a valid U.S. state issued 

driver's license, in lieu of an FAA-issued medical certificate. Media General also requests that 

the FAA grant relief from Section 61.23(c) to allow sport pilot certificate holders to operate 

aircraft other than light-sport aircraft with a valid U.S. issued driver's license. The FAA has 

granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in a number of cases, including Exemption 

11213. 

14 C.F .R. § 61.101 (e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), and 61.315(a): Recreational Pilot Privileges 

and Limitations; Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command; What are the 

privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate? 

Sections 61.101 (e)(4) and (5) and 61.113(a) limit recreational or private pilots to noncommercial operations. Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries a pilot, passengers, and 

cargo, the DJI Inspire 1 in this case is remotely controlled with no passengers or property of 

others on board. Section 61.315(a) addresses the privileges and limitations of the holder of a 

sport pilot certificate. 

Media General respectfully proposes that operator requirements should take into account the 

characteristics of the particular UAS. The OJI Inspire 1 has a high degree of pre-programmed 

control and various built-in navigation and other technical capabilities that strictly limit the 

potential for operation outside of the operating conditions set forth in the exemption application . 

Flights are pre-programmed with precision GPS guidance and do not require human 

intervention. In the case of unplanned events, the operator can manually intervene to take one 

of the following actions: (i) command the aircraft to begin to autonomously return to the 
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recovery area and land; (ii) command the aircraft to autonomously return to the recovery area 

where the pilot will assume control and land the aircraft; or (iii) manually assume control of the 

aircraft via the hand controller and return the craft to the recovery area where the operator lands 

it. 

Additional automated safety functions and safety enhancing features of the DJI Inspire 1 include 

the following : 

• Low battery power on the aircraft triggers the landing sequence, and the craft will fly to 

the recovery area. 

• If the auto-pilot detects a lost-link to the ground control station for longer than three 

seconds, landing procedure begins. 

• In the event the ground station reaches a low power state, it will alert the pilot. 

Given these safety features, operators of the OJI Inspire 1 should not be required to hold a 

commercial pilot certification. Instead, operators should be required to hold only a recreational 

or sport pilot certificate. 

The risks associated with the operation of the OJI Inspire 1 (given its size, speed, operational 

capabilities, and lack of combustible fuel) are so diminished from the level of risk associated 

with commercial operations contemplated by Part 61 with conventional aircraft (fixed wing or 

rotorcraft) that allowing operations of the UAS as set forth above meets or exceeds the present 

level of safety provided under the regulations cited above and does not rise to the level of 

requiring a commercial pilot to operate the aircraft. 

Given these conditions and restrictions, an equivalent level of safety will be provided by allowing 

operation of the OJI Inspire 1 with a recreational or sports pilot certificate, under the conditions 

set forth in the exemption request. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar 

operations in a number of cases, including Exemption 11213. 

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

This regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy 

condition. Should the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation of the OJI Inspire 1 

without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for airworthiness of the OJI Inspire 1. 

Given the size of the aircraft and the requirements to which the operator has agreed relating to 

airworthiness, as set forth in the attached manuals, an equivalent level of safety will be achieved 

by ensuring compliance with the Media General manuals prior to each flight. The FAA has 

granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 

11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, and 11213. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.119(c): Minimum Safe Altitudes. 

Section 91 .119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Specifically, 91 .119(c) 

limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet above the 

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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. 

As set forth herein, the DJI Inspire 1 will never operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. It will, 

however, be operated to avoid congested or populated areas. Because aerial videography work 

must be accomplished at relatively low altitudes and at altitudes less than 500 feet AGL, an 

exemption from Section 91 .119(c) is needed. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed, and material with 

which the DJI Inspire 1 is built. Also, no flight will be taken without the permission of the 

landowner or those who control the land as well as the permission of local officials, if required . 

Because of advance notice to the landowner, all affected individuals will be aware of the flights. 

Compared to commercial operations, such as aerial videography or aerial data collection, 

conducted with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than seven pounds. and carrying 

flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations will be far less than the risks currently 

posed by conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 feet AGL. Indeed, the low-altitude 

operations of the UAS will maintain separation between these sUAS operations and the 

operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91 .119. The FAA has granted 

exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11110, 

11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, and 11213. 

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

This regulation prohibits an individual from beginning "a flight in an airplane under VFR 

conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly 

to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed- (1) During the day, 

to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes." 

The batteries powering the DJI Inspire 1 provide approximately 18 minutes of powered flight. 

Without an exemption from§ 14 C.F.R. 91 .151, the UAS's flights would not be possible. Given 

the limitations on its proposed operations and the location of those proposed operations, a 

longer time frame for flight in daylight VFR conditions is reasonable. 

Media General believes that an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) is safe and within the 

scope of prior exemptions. See Exemption 11213. Operating the small UAS without 

30 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the type of risks that Section 91 .151 (a) was 

meant to prevent given the size and speed at which the UAS operates. The fact that it carries 

no pilot, passenger, or cargo also enhances its safety. In the unlikely event that the DJI Inspire 

1 achieves a low battery state, it would simply return to home and land. Given its weight and 

construction material, the risks are less than contemplated by the current regulation. 

Media General believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by maintaining 

five minutes of reserve fuel, which, allowing 13 minutes of flight time, would be more than 

adequate to return the UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its operating area. 

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Similar exemptions have been granted to other operators, including Exemptions 11062 through 

11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, and 11213. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a); 407(a)(1); 409(a)(2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections 

Section 91.405(a) requires that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that aircraft inspected 

as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as 

provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of 

this chapter ... . " Section 91.407 similarly makes reference to requirements in Part 43; 

Section 91.409(a)(2) requires an annual inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness 

certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or operator to keep records showing certain 

maintenance work that has been accomplished by certificated mechanics, under Part 43, or 

licensed pilots and records of approval of the aircraft for return to service. 

Maintenance of the OJI Inspire 1 will be accomplished by the owner/operator pursuant to the 

manuals separately filed as confidential exhibits. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved 

because the UAS is small in size, will carry a small payload, will operate only in restricted 

predetermined areas, and is not a complex mechanical device. As provided in the confidential 

manuals, the operator will ensure that the UAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, 

perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance that is performed; moreover, 

the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and is best suited to maintain the 

aircraft in an airworthy condition and to ensure an equivalent level of safety. The FAA has 

granted exemptions for similar operations in Exemptions 11062 through 11067, 11080, 11109, 

11110, 11112,11136,11138, and 11213. 

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