June 5, 2015

Exemption No. 11755 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 2015

– 0957

Mr. William H

. Edmonson
527 North River Rock Drive Belgrade, MT 59714

Dear Mr. Edmonson :

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 March 31, 2015 , you petitioned the Fede ral Aviation Administration (FAA) on
behalf of Electric Eye Aerial Scanning ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption

. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial acquisition of video, 2D, 3D, and multi

- spectral imagery

.

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 is a Skywalker X8 Flying Wing

.

In accordance with the statutory criteria provided in Section 333 of P ublic Law 112

− 95 in
reference to 49 U

. S

. C

. § 44704, and in consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the aircraft and its operati on, the Secretary of Transportation
has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA
finds that relief from 14 CFR part 21

, C ertification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

— Airworthiness Certificates , and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is not necessary.2

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 mat erial 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 fi nd 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, Electric Eye Aerial Scanning 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 perfor m aerial data
collection

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

Conditions and Limi tations

In this grant of exemption, Electric Eye Aerial Scanning 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 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 (part iculate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by
instruments aboard the UA.3

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the Skywalker X8 Flying Wing when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to am end 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 altitud e 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 a t all times. The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times ;

e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight 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 th e 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, the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed.
Oth erwise, 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 th e Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension4

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 FA A’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 p roperty.

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
aircra ft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Col u mbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a 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.

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 (traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building) and determining the PIC’s ability to5

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
traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight ope rations 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/Facili ty 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 pr ivate 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 t o operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All operations shall be cond ucted in accordance with an ATO

- issued COA. 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

num ber, 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 the6

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 e nsure 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 non participating 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 tha t 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 transgresses the latera l or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported
to the FA A's UAS Integration Office (AFS− 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions
contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov

.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards7

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the a rea 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 th e 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.

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

Sincerely,

/s/
John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

EnclosuresUNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, DC

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF:
ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF TITLE
14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),

91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL

OPERATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112-95)

Submitted on 3-31-2015

Petitioner;

William H Edmonson
527 north River Rock Drive Belgrade, Montana 59714 Tel: (406) 581-3987

1**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Page
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................3

SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER ................................................4

BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................4

BASIS FOR PETITION .....................................................................................................5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER............................................................6

THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH ELECTRIC EYE
AERIAL SCANNING SEEKS EXEMPTION ..........................................7

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING SEEKS
AND THE REASON ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING SEEKS THE

RELIEF.............................................. ........................................10

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING'S REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ......................................13

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT
ADVERSELY AFFECT SAFETY .....................................................15

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER......27

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS
AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING’S REQUEST ..................................................................................28

CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................28

2**GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS**

3 Above Ground Level
Area of Interest
Air Traffic Control Air Traffic Organization
Aerial Vehicle Code of Federal Regulations
Certificate of Authorization
Consumer Of The Shelf Electric Eye Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Regulation
First Person View
Ground Control Station Global Positioning System
Loss of Link National Airspace System
Notice to Airman

Pilot In Command FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333 Standard Operating Procedures
Unmanned Aircraft Unmanned Aircraft System Visual Flight Rules
Visual Line of Site Visual Meteorological Conditions
Visual Observer Vertical Takeoff and Landing AGL
AOI
ATC
ATO
AV
C.F.R.
COA
COTS
EEUAV

FAA

FAR

FPV
GCS
GPS
LOL
NAS
NOTAM
PIC
Section 333

SOP

UA
UAS

VFR
VLOS
VMC
VO
VTOL**SUMMARY**

ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a) (1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial acquisition in the
United States NAS.

**INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER**

ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING (hereinafter referred to as “Electric Eye”) provides its clients with high quality video, 2D, 3D and multi spectral imagery acquired with a fixed wing UAV. The imagery obtained is used for a variety of data gathering purposes including but not limited to, ground and livestock condition analysis, search and rescue, disaster assessment, equipment and construction inspection and forest fire tracking. Electric Eye uses fixed wing AV systems under 55 pounds in weight. Currently Electric Eye uses the Skywalker X8 flying wing. Electric Eye may however use any COTS fixed wing UAV solution that does not exceed 55 pounds, or max speed greater
than 87 knots.

**BACKGROUND**

Electric Eye seeks an exemption to operate fixed wing AV systems for compensation or hire within the NAS. Electric Eye uses a variety of fixed wing UAV aircraft comprised of COTS airframes and components and a transportable Ground Control Station (GCS). All EEUAV have a maximum gross weight of no more than 55 pounds, and a maximum speed of no more than 87 knots. Electric Eye AV systems are operated no higher than 500 feet AGL and within LOS of the GCS and VO. All operations include an operator acting as PIC and at least one VO.

EEUAV’s will be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration, and marked in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking.

4**BASIS FOR PETITION**

Petitioner, ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING, pursuant to the provisions of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems , hereby petitions to commercially operate it’s UAS as described in the National

Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a) (2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with unmanned aircraft and their operation, Electric Eye’s operation of it’s UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Accordingly, Electric Eye requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.

Electric Eye submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. Electric Eye will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on its UAV’s using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual, Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Electric Eye will document and maintain all
maintenance records for it’s UAV’s.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command , is requested by Electric Eye to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding an FAA private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a class three or higher airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the EEUAV in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

5Electric Eye seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, because the EEUAV does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14

C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, Electric Eye submits that it will ensure that every UAV flown by Electric Eye is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight,

by determining that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the

Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual, Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight.

Electric Eye also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled

Altimeter Settings , as the PrecisionVision 10 UA will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of any EEUAV will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined with Electric Eye’s operation of the UAV within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, Electric Eye seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions . Electric Eye submits that safety will not be affected by operation of it’s UAV systems during daylight hours in

visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough

battery power to fly for a total duration of 50 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 5 minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power remaining).

In accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, Electric Eye provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption:

**A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.**

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is:

William Hardy Edmonson Electric Eye Aerial Scanning 527 North River Rock Drive, Belgrade Montana 59714 Tel: (406) 581-3987 | Email: bill@electriceyeas.com

6**B. The Specific Sections Of 14 C.F.R. From Which Electric Eye Seeks Exemption.**

**1. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b).** 

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command

, subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft.

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if—

(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

**2. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a).**

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , subsection (a), states the following:

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

**3. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121.**

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings , subsection (a), states the following, in
part:

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating--

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

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

7(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.

**4. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b).**

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions , subsection (b), states the following:

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft 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, to fly after that
for at least 20 minutes.

**5. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a).**

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required , subsection (a), states the following: Each owner or operator of an aircraft—

(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]

**6. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section** Section 91.407 (a)(1).

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration , subsection (a)(1), states the following:

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless--

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

**7. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.409(a) (1) And 91.409(a)(2).** 

8Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following:

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

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.

**8. Electric Eye Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b).** 

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records , subsections (a) and (b), state the following:

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

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include--

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft
for return to service.

(2) Records containing the following information:

(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and
each rotor.

(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.

9(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.

(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.

(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.

(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.

(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed.

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and
transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.

**C. The Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks**
**The Relief.**

**1. Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks Relief From Section 61.113(a) And (b).** 

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

Pilot in command , is requested to the extent necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical certificate, and who has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to conduct the proposed UAS flight operations for compensation or hire.

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state that a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in

10connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

As set forth more fully below, Electric Eye submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate an EEUAV unless that PIC has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate the UAV in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels,
vehicles and structures.

Further, Electric Eye submits that all flights of it’s UAV be conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to Electric Eye’s business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

**2. Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).** 

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , is requested to the extent required to allow Electric Eye to determine that it’s UAV is in an airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAV is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual, Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual).

Electric Eye seeks the requested relief because the EEUAV does not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, Electric Eye will ensure that the EEUAV is in an airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual, Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the

aircraft is in a condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and limitations
below.

**3. Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks Relief**
**From Section 91.121.**

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings , may be required to allow flight operations of the EEUAV, which utilizes a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the

11FAA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), Electric Eye seeks the requested relief because the EEUAV’s altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet

AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight.

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety

will be maintained since the PrecisionVision 10 UA is equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level

pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads-up display of the GCS.

**4. Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b).** 

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

, is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered PrecisionVision 10 UA during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power

remaining). Electric Eye seeks the requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered EEUAV will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial acquisition and flight operations that Electric Eye proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the EEUAV, the EEUAV operating documents, and Electric Eye’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that Electric Eye will safely operate it’s battery powered UAV during daylight

hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 50 minutes to the first point of

intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 5 minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power remaining).

**5. Extent Of Relief Electric Eye Seeks And The Reason Electric Eye Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b).** 

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, Electric Eye requests relief from these Sections because the EEUAV does not require an airworthiness certificate.

12As set forth more fully below, the EEUAV meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, Electric Eye will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual, Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Electric Eye will document and maintain all maintenance
records for the EEUAV.

**D. The Reasons Why Granting Electric Eye’s Request Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole.** 

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing Electric Eye to safely, efficiently, and economically perform geo-reference mosaic imagery, 3D elevation profiles, and multi spectral data for a variety of data gathering purposes including but not limited to, ground and livestock condition analysis, search and rescue, disaster assessment, equipment and construction inspection and forest fire tracking over rural areas of the United States, commercially, in support of government entities, commercial entities, agriculture, and scientific studies. Additionally, use of the EEUAV will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Offer a lower cost option to clientele that could not afford a full scale aircraft sensing platform. Notably, the benefits of Electric Eye’s proposed operation of the EEUAV will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.

**1. The Public Will Benefit From The Aerial Acquisition Performed.** 

Electric Eye submits this Petition to commercially operate the EEUAV for geo-reference mosaic imagery, 3D elevation profiles, and multi spectral data for a variety of data gathering purposes including but not limited to, ground and livestock condition analysis, search and rescue, disaster assessment, equipment and construction inspection and forest

fire tracking. Therefore, the operations that Electric Eye will perform with the EEUAV will directly benefit the public and provide options for non evasive data gathering that would otherwise be unavailable to many sectors of the public and government due to the high cost of current full scale manned aircraft sensing platforms.

The mission statement and objective of Electric Eye Aerial Scanning is “To provide affordable high quality aerial scanning service options to the public and private sector, while respecting the privacy and safety of the clients and communities we

serve”

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

13The EEUAV is battery powered and serves as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. Byreducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing

the use of a EEUAV would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground.

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The

EEUAV does not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned

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

**3. The Public Will Benefit From The Safety And Efficiency Of The EEUAV.**

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the EEUAV, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated

during traditional aerial survey flight operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the EEUAV produces no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion twin engine aircraft that are typically utilized for aerial acquisitions, while burning approximately 20-30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The EEUAV, while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAV is propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.

By using the EEUAV to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned

aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flightcrew members located onboard the aircraft, the EEUAV (weighing

less than 55 pounds at its maximum gross weight and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the air, compared to the manned aircraft that typically conduct aerial acquisitions (weighing approximately 6,500 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 40 feet, a length of 34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

4. Performing Aerial Acquisition Operations With The EEUAV Will Benefit The Economy. In addition to being safe and efficient, the EEUAV is also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct aerial acquisitions. As such, operation of the EEUAV will allow United States based companies, like Electric Eye, to remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising

14cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered EEUAV is one such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft.

By operating the EEUAV, companies such as Electric Eye, can remain competitive and

profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the EEUAV, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in the United States and abroad.

**5. There Are No Privacy Issues.**

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, Electric Eye’s proposed operation of the EEUAV will not implicate any privacy

issues. Specifically, the EEUAV will be operated only in rural areas, and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119. Most significantly, the EEUAV will not be operated closer than 500

feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure, which is not directly involved in the operation.

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

**1. Reasons Why The EEUAV Meets The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333.** 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the

unmanned aircraft and its operation, Electric Eye’s operation of the EEUAV meets the

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

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets forth requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users

of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

15(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the
national

airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act.

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum--

(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1).

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

In seeking this exemption, Electric Eye submits that the EEUAV can operate safely in the

NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the EEUAV; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

**a. The Specifications Of The EEUAV Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.**

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

**i. Technical Specifications Of The EEUAV.**

Electric Eye Aerial Scanning will use a variety of airframe and flight system combinations as COTS technology changes. This petition is requesting exemptions from 14 C.F.R. for Electric Eye Arial Scanning use of fixed wing UAVs that have a maximum gross weight of no more than 55 pounds, and a maximum speed of no more than 87 knots. Electric Eye AV systems are operated no higher than 500 feet AGL and within LOS of the GCS and VO. All operations include an operator acting as PIC and at least one VO. As an example, Electric Eye is Currently using the following system;

16Aiframe: Skywalker X-8 FPV / UAV Flying Wing Wingspan: 2120mm Maximum AUW: 3500g Maximum Speed: 43-48 knots Autopilot Software: APM Planner by 3dr Autopilot Hardware: Pixhawk by 3dr Manual Pilot Control: Spektrum DX8

**ii. The APM Planner Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes**  **Enable The UAS To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area.**

The EEUAV may be operated in both manual and fully autonomous flight modes.

**iii. The EEUAV Is Designed For Automatic Return To Home Point**

**Orbit In The Event Of Loss Of The Control Link Or Navigation.** 

When the Control Link is lost, the EEUAV will execute a stable orbit in flight, for 90 seconds. If, after 90 seconds, the EEUAV does not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAV will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAV will return to the home position orbit via GPS, and will remain there until 25% battery power remains, thenperform an autonomous landing at the pre programmed landing site. If Control Link is reestablished after a loss of more than 15 seconds, the PIC will return the UAV to the landing zone via manual mode and land the UAV immediately.

When GPS signal is lost, the EEUAV will continue to estimate its position and velocity based upon onboard accelerometers and gyroscopic instruments. It will execute a stationary orbit for 120 seconds or until the PIC switches to manual mode and pilots the

UAV to the landing zone and lands. If after 120 seconds the PIC has not switched to manual mode, the UAV will autonomously stop it’s electric motor and glide to the ground
in it’s orbit.

**b. Flight Operations Of The EEUAV Are Limited To The Line Of Sight Of A Certificated Pilot in Command With A Visual Observer (VO)** 

**.**
Electric Eye will only utilize certificated pilots who possess a current and valid airman

medical certificate to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the EEUAV. Additionally, a safety observer will assist all pilots during flight time.

**c. Flights Of The EEUAV Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating Limitations.** 

17In seeking this exemption, Electric Eye proposes to commercially operate the EEUAV for the special purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions in the NAS, pursuant to the following specific operating limitations:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to UAV systems within the technical and operational limits described in this petition. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the purpose of aerial acquisitions.

3. The UA may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 87 knots.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground level (AGL). All altitudes reported to ATC must be 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.

6. The use of first person view FPV by the PIC or VO as a substitute for VLOS is not permitted.

7. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. 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 functions described in this petition.

8. The VO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

9. The operating documents specific to the UAS being used by Electric Eye and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations contained in

18the grant of 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 upon request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition for 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.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the
aircraft records.

11. 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. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records.

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents.

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection, alterations, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to
service.

15. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer Safety Bulletins.

1916. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current third- class medical certificate. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 C.F.R. § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). The VO is also required to complete the operator’s training requirements. A record of training must be documented and made available upon request by the Administrator. Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs (training, proficiency, and experience-building) are permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only be conductedduring dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experiencebuilding 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 C.F.R. § 91.119.

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon request.

21. 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.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a predetermined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents.

2023. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operating documents.

24. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining.

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption above 200 feet AGL. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential transponder requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification (N- Number) markings in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

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

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

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

30. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

31. The UA may not be operated over congested or densely populated areas.

32. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons (persons other than the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential 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

21must 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 and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/ controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 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, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

33. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from land owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

34. 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.

**2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.** 

Electric Eye submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the EEUAV unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the EEUAV in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering Electric Eye’s proposed area of operations, and the operating limitations set forth-above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements ( See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship

skills necessary to safely operate the EEUAV, Electric Eye submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for Electric Eye’s specific proposed flight operations.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption

22Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

Electric Eye will not allow any PIC to operate the EEUAV unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the EEUAV training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the EEUAV in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5

hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes).

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of

safety during Electric Eye’s proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows:

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS fixed wing pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a fixed wing UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of fixed wing time and the 10 hours may be included in the total 25 hours of UAS fixed wing time. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 take-offs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight-hour requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and

23experience-building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate
distances in accordance with 14 C.F.R 91.119.

Exemption No. 11138 at page 15.

Accordingly, Electric Eye will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the EEUAV unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the EEUAV in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

**3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.** 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every flight, Electric Eye will ensure that the EEUAV is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the
conditions and limitations herein.

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

**4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.** 

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the altitude information of the EEUAV will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the

GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with Electric Eye’s operation of the EEUAV within visual line of sight, at or

below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft.

Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the UAS at ground level.

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

Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

24**5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.** 

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the EEUAV; (2)

the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, Electric Eye will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered EEUAV during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 50 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 5 minutes (i.e., 25 percent battery power remaining).

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the EEUAV; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the EEUAV provides two audible and visual warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the UA experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at 50% remaining battery power, and again at 30% remaining battery

power.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating

limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption

Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064,

11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

**6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not**  **Adversely Affect Safety.**

In seeking this exemption, Electric Eye submits that the equivalent level of safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because Electric Eye will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the Electric Eye UAS Operation Manual,

25Maintenance Schedule and Manual, Airframe Maintenance Manual, and Controller Instruction Manual). Furthermore, Electric Eye will document and maintain all
maintenance records for the EEUAV.

Since the EEUAV will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, Electric Eye will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2).

Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because Electric Eye will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating
documents.

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the

EEUAV will be performed by trained technicians, which will document and maintain
maintenance records for the EEUAV.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a),

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the
UAS are considered.

In consideration of Electric Eye’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, and the technical aspects of the EEUAV, Electric Eye submits that safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b). The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

**7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.**

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions , Electric Eye requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the EEUAV, which contain

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

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

26Such special conditions will permit safe operation of the UA for the limited purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions in the NAS of the United States for compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation of the UAS in the NAS.

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation of the EEUAV, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part

21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual

design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions , states the following:

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations.

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may

prescribe special conditions for Electric Eye’s intended operation of the EEUAV, which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a) (1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

**F. A Summary That Can Be Published In The Federal Register, stating: The Rules From Which Electric Eye Seeks Exemption:** 

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

**A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption Electric Eye Seeks:**

27This exemption will permit ELECTRIC EYE AERIAL SCANNING to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions in the United States National Airspace

.

**G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support Electric Eye’s Request.** 

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of

2012 (FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, Electric Eye’s request for exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above.

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification.

As discussed in detail above, Electric Eye will operate the EEUAV safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.

**CONCLUSION**

As set forth herein, Electric Eye seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the EEUAV commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions in the NAS of the United States.

By granting this Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing Electric Eye to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the EEUAV commercially within the NAS.

**WHEREFORE**
, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, Electric Eye respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14

28C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit Electric Eye to operate the EEUAV commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial acquisitions over certain rural
areas of the United States.

Dated: 3-31-2015

William H Edmonson

527 North River Rock Drive

Belgrade Montana 59714

(406) 581-3987

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