Michael Mellon

dba: Michael Mellon Photography 

1322 N 71st Street Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Phone: 224.565.1909 

E-Mail: michaeljmellon@gmail.com

Date: 07/15/2015

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, DC

Dear Sir or Madam,

I, Michael Mellon; dba Michael Mellon Photography, am writing pursuant to the FAA Modernization and 

Reform Act of 2012 Section 333 and the procedures contained within 14 C.F.R. 11, to request

exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations listed below so that I may operate a

small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) within the National Airspace System for the

purpose of commercial aerial photography and videography.

I am requesting exemption from the following regulations:

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H

14 CFR 61.23 (a)

14 CFR 61.113 (a) and (b)

14 CFR 91.109

14 CFR 91.121

14 CFR 91.151 (a)

14 CFR 91.405 (a)

14 CFR 91.407 (a)(1)

14 CFR 91.409 (a)(1)

14 CFR 91.409 (a)(2)

14 CFR 91.417 (a) and (b)

The UAS in which I seek exemption is the DJI Inspire 1. It is a quad motor remote-controlled helicopter, 

capable of vertical takeoff, with a payload of less than 10 pounds. The platform is powered using a lithium 

polymer battery therefor there is no concern of property setting fire in the event of a crash. No fuel burning also 

means zero emissions. 

The Inspire 1 has a number of built-in failsafes to assure safe flying. Safety is always my number one concern 

when flying. The ground station app has built in telemetry data in real-time. I have never flown over 150 feet 

high, well under the 400-foot regulation. I have not been in a situation, nor can I foresee one in the future, that 

would warrant me to even fly 400 feet high. 

Aside from elevation, the ground control app also displays flight speed, distance, the number of GPS satellites 

acquired, real-time battery levels and a map of where I am flying. I have set my failsafe to return-to-home when 

a loss of signal occurs between the UAS and the controller. Before each flight, I set the altitude at which it is to 
 

2

rise before returning home, to assure that (in the event a return-to-home failsafe is initiated) there are no 

obstacles obstructing its decent. 

A few other rules that I abide by to ensure the safety of the public:

• I never fly over populated areas.

• I never fly when weather is in question; strong winds, rain, lightning or a high KP index. 

• I never put myself in danger; flying in areas where MY safety is in question. 

• I never fly near a residence where someone may question my intent. 

• I always follow a specific pre-flight checklist to ensure that everything is working as it should, and there is no 

question that safety may be of concern. 

• I always land my UAS when nearing 25-20% remaining battery power. This allows plenty of time for me to 

safely bring my aircraft back to me and land with no issues. 

• 98% of the time I fly in GPS mode. At any given time I have a minimum of 12 GPS satellites locked on to my 

aircraft to ensure its stability and location. The satellite lock enables it to hover, within inches, of a locked 

position-hold.

• I inspect every part of my aircraft before each takeoff, even if multiple takeoffs are initiated at one location. I 

properly clean out any parts of the aircraft that could have dust, grass, or other debris to ensure the mechanics 

are free of obstruction and everything works as it should. 

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you. 

Sincerely,

Michael Mellon

Owner and sole proprietor of Michael Mellon Photography