June 30 , 2015
Exemption No. 11939 Regulatory Docket No. FAA

– 2015

– 1398 Mr. Luis Robles CEO AerialZeus, LLC 1325 Howe Avenue, Suite 213 Sacramento, CA 95825 Dear Mr. Robles : This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, including the date it ends. By letter dated April 28, 2015 , you pe titioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of AerialZeus, LLC ( hereinafter petitioner or operator ) for an exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned ai rcraft system (UAS) to collect remote sensing data and conduct near - i nfrared, infrared, and high resolution aerial imagery to the California Department of Transpo rtation
. 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. Airw orthiness Certification The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a n Event E384.2

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

— Airworthiness Certificates . In accordance with the statutory cr iteria 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 operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 14 CFR part 21 , Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H

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

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

− 20 14

− 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 peti tioner 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 i nterest. 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. Ther efore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, delegated to me by the Administrator, AerialZeus, LLC 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

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

extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data collection. This exemption is subject to the conditio ns and limitations listed below. Conditions and Limitations In this grant of exemption, AerialZeus, LLC 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 Event E384 when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption
. 2. Operations for the purpose of closed

- set motion picture and television filming are not permitted. 3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The exemption holder may u se 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 (VL OS) 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 ; e lectronic messaging or texting is not permitte d 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 documen ts 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 oper ations and made available to the4

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. 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 u pdate 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 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 condu cting 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 prohibi ted 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 fo r 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 pil ot 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.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 c onsistent 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 (traini ng, 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 traini ng, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons n ot 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 symbo l as denoted on the current FAA

- published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained or o therwise 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 o r 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 sign al, the UA must return to a pre - determined location within the pr ivate 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 cond ucte d 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 Adm inistrator 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 operatio ns 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 ensur ing 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 objec ts and determined that it does not present an undue hazard. The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered nonparticipating persons under this exemption. 27. All operations shall be conducted over private or control led

- access property with permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted. 28. Any incident, accident, or flight op eration that transgresses the lateral 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
.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 exempt ion must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 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 incl ude 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 productio n, 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 July 31, 2017 , unless sooner superseded or rescinded. Sincerely,

/s/ John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service Enclosures1



## AerialZeus **, L**  **L C’s**  **P e**  **ti t**  **i o**  **n f**  **o r**  **E x**  **e m**  **pt i**  **o n**  **f**

**o r**  **t h**  **e E**  **v ent**  **38 E**  **38 4**  **U n**  **m a**  **n ned**  **A eri**  **a l**  **Sy s**  **t e**  **m**

F A A Ru l e s D o c k e t :

S ubm i t t e d on April 28 , 2015 Luis Robles , CEO AerialZeus , L L C 1325 Howe Avenue, Suite 213 Sacramento, C alifornia 95825 P hon e : 916
- 768
- 4109 Em a i l : luis.robles@AerialZeus.com2 

## T **a ble**  **of Cont**  **e nts** 
Pe t it i o n S u mm a r y ............................................................... . ............................... . ... .3 Bac k g r o un d
.............................. . . ............................... . ............................... . ......... 3 ,4 S t a tut o ry A

utho r i t y ............................... . ............................... . ...................... .. .... .7
- 12 Ba s i s f o r P e t i t io n ............................... . ...... ......................... . ........................... . .... . 1 3
- 24
**CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION** 

### Team Profile
............................... . ............................... . ........................ . App e n d i x A AerialZeus
- Organizational Chart...............
...................................... App e n d i x B Whitepaper
- Multispectral Analysis..................................................Appendix C E 3 8 4 O p e r at i on s M a

n u al
............................... . ............................... . .... . App e n d i x D E 8 3 4 M a i n t e n a

n ce M a n u a l
............................... . ............................... . .. . App e n d i x E E v e n t 3 8 T r a i n i n g S y ll a

b u s ............................... . ............................... . .. . App e n d i x F Event 38 Certification for Luis Robles.............. ................................Appendix G Pilot Log for Luis Robles..................................................................Appendix H George Mason University.................................................................Appendix I University o f Minnesota...................................................................Appendix J Tetracam Training.............................................................................Appendix K3

**A. P**  **e ti**  **t ion**  **Su m**  **m a**  **r y**  P ursu ant with S ec t i on 333 of the F A A Mod e rni z at ion and R e fo r m A c t of 2 012, AerialZeus , L L C ( AerialZeus ) r e qu e s t s e x e mp t ion f r om the following Fe d e r a l Aviation R e gulations that are foun d und e r Tit l e 14 of the Co d e of Fed e r a l Re g ulations (C F R): P art 21 S ubp art H , 45.23 ( b), 9 1 .7 ( a ), 91.9 ( b), 9 1 .103, 91.109, 91.119, 91.121, 91.151 (a ), 91
. 203 ( a ) ( b), Pa rt 91 S ubp art E ( 91.40 1
- 91.417 )
. AerialZeus s e e ks e x p e di t e d a ppro va l an d e x e mp t ion f

r om the C F Rs l i s ted a

bove in order to op e r a

te the E384 Unm an n e d Ai rc r a ft S ys t e m ( U AS ) for the pur pose o f p r o vid i ng Near Infrared (NIR), Infrared and high r e solu t ion ae ri a l i m a g e r y to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) , a state agency in charge of highway , bridge and rail transportation planning, construction and mai ntenance . Moreover, AerialZeus will provide remote - sensing data to other state agencies, federal entities, private contractors and subcontractors with the intent of assisting with Mitigation and Monitoring of Environmental Projects throughout the State of California. The o p e r a t i on of the E384 b y AerialZeus will follow strict op e r a

t i on a l l i m i t at i ons , and adhere to the highest standards of securit y and privacy , a s outl i n e d in this do c ume n t and a ll re c o m mend at i ons b y the F A A
. **B .**  **Ba c**  **k g**  **r o**  **un d**  **1. AerialZeus**  **, L LC**  AerialZeus is an Engineering Consulting c o mpa n y lo c ated in Sacramento, CA that p r ovides Engineering
- an a l ysi s , by collecting, mon i toring, and reporting of g e o gr a phic d at a ca

ptur e d via re mo t e s e nsi n g p a y l o a ds a bo ard un m ann e d , fi x e d wing
a i r c r a ft. Our organization is composed of highly experienced and skilled S cientists and4

Engineers that understand technology well. (Appendix A
- Team Profile & Appendix B
- Organizational Chart ) Our diverse team has extensive experience on photogrammetric
- anal ys is, and rem ote sensing, as we have performed pro
- bono
- aerial In frared data to the University of California at Davis (UC
- Davis) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) . The information collected has been processed by

our team via AerialZeus' proprieta ry software (Appendix C
Whitep aper - Multispectral Analy sis ). UC
- Davis and the USDA have later used this information to provide concise advice to viney ard growers in Amador County in California for precise fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and water applicati ons. Therefore through this unique experience, our team at AerialZeus has logged 100's of hours collecting, processing and reporting our findings.5

**2. E384**  The E384 U AS i s manu f

ac tur e d b y E v e nt 38 l o cat e d in Akr on, Ohio. The
s ys t em c onsists of a l i ghtw e i ght b at t e r y op e r ated a i r c raft, groun d c ontrol s t a t i on, an d
a ssoci ated d ata link e quip m e nt. The E384 a ir f r ame is constr

u c ted of EPO f

o am with a
carbon fi b e r tail and w e i ghs 5.9 lbs. with a win g sp an o f 6.2 f t. and to t a l l e n gth of 4.3 ft. The E384 is pow e r e d b y two l i th i um po l y m e r b a t t e ri e s that dr i ve an e l e c tric pro p e l l e r. Itis h and laun c h e d, h a s ma x i mum fli ght t i m e of 100 m i nutes, and op e r a t e s at a c ruising sp e e d of 2 7 mph. The gro und c ontrol station consist of a Tur ni g y 9XR
r e mo t e and P C c ompu t e r whi c h h ave a ma x i mum d a ta link r an g e o f 5.4 N M. I f the E 384 loses l i nk with the ground c ontrol s t a t i on or d e te c ts a low b at t e r y state a t an y t i me it will i n i t iate a r e tur n - to - laun c h s e qu e n ce .
The E384 h a s e x tensive f l i ght e x p e ri e n c e and a hi s to r y of o p e r a t i on a l s u cc e ss ov e rs ea s, includi n g fl i gh t s b y ov e r one hund r e d p r of e ss i on a l ope r ators on 6 c ont i n e nts. I t h a s b ee n us e d in U g anda to surv e y po t e nt i a l l and f or the c onstru c t i on of a h y d r o e le c tr i c pow e r plant. It has a lso be e n us e d in G r e e c e b y th e N at i on a l T e c hnic a l Un i v e rsi t y of Ath e ns to stu d y op e n - pit m i nin g . In B e l iz e the F i s h e r y D e p artm e nt s t art e d routine fli ghts with the E384 to tr a c k i l leg a l fish i ng in pro t ec ted w ate r s. Mo r e re ce nt l y i n the U ni t e d S tat e s the E384 wa s flo w n ov e r thr e e d a y s a t the C lev e land A ir show, d e monstr at i ng i t s a bi l i t y to sa fe l y in te g r ate and op e r a t e in the N A S
. (please see picture below)6

F or a ddi t ional info r

mati o n on the E384, r e f

e r e n c e Appendix D ( E 384 Op e r at i ons M anu a l) and Ap p e ndix E (E384 M a in t e n an c e M an u a l ), w hich sp e c i f y manu f a c turi n g info r

mation, ai rc r a ft p e r f

orm an ce , o p e r a

t i n g l i m i ts, norm a l and
e me r g e n c y pro c e du r e s, f

a i l
- s a f e fe atur e s, and m a in t e n an c e and insp ec t i on pro c e du r e s.7

**C. S**  **ta t**  **u to**  **r y Autho**  **r ity**  **1. F**  **A A**  **M o**  **d er**  **n iza**  **t ion**  **a n**  **d R**  **e f**  **o r**  **m A**  **c t of**  **2 01**  **2, S**  **ec tion**  **333** S ec t i on 333 ( a ) stat e s th a t the F AA “s h a ll d e te r m i ne if c e rt a in un m ann e d a ir c raft
s y stems m a y op e r a

te s a fe t y in the n at i on a l ai r s p a c e s y stem b e fo r e c omp l e t i on of the pl an and r u l e maki n g r e quir e d b y S ec t i on 332 ”
. Se c t i on 333 ( b) then l i sts s e v e r a l f a c tors that should be c onsid e r e d in d e te r m i ning wh i c h UA S ’ would be e l i g ib l e for e x p e di t e d in t e g r at i on in t o the Na t i on a l Airsp a c e S ystem (N AS). S p ec ifi ca l l y U A S ’ t h a t “a s a r e sult of th e ir si z e , w e i ght, s p e e d, op e r a t i on a l c a p a bi l i t y , pro x i m i t y to a irpo rts and populat e d
ar e a s, and op e r at i on with i n visual line of si ght do not c reate a h a z ard to the us e rs of the
n at i on a l ai r sp a c e s y stem or the publ i c , or p ose a th r e at t o n at i on a l s e c uri t y ”
. I f a U A S
me e ts the c rit e r i a laid f

o rth i n S e c t i on 333 ( b), S e c t i on 333 (c ) th e n g ives th e F AA th e a uthori t y to d e c ide if an a ir w orthin e ss c e rtifi cat i o n a s spe c ifi e d b y Tit l e 49 Uni t e d S tat e s Cod e , S ec t i on 44704 is e v e n r e qui r e d for o p e r a t i on . S ec t i on 333 (c ) sp e c if i ca l l y sta t e s that the F AA can d e t e rmine “ w h e th e r a c e rtifi c a te of wa ive r , ce rtif i cate of a uthori z at i on, or a ir w orthin e ss ce rtifi ca t i on und e r s ec t i on 44704 of Ti t le 49, U ni t e d S tat e s C od e , is
r e quir e d f o r the op e r a

t i o n of unmann e d a i r c raft s y s tem s ” . Thu s , the F AA h a s the a bi l i t y to allow a U A S that me e t s the c rit e ria put f o rth in S e ct i on 333 ( b) to op e r a t e with i n the N A S without an a ir

w orth iness ce rtifi c at i on a s long a s the U AS does not po s e an y h a z ar d or th reat t o the N AS, pub l i c , and n at i on a l se c u ri t y .8

**2. How**  **AerialZeus m**  **e e**  **ts t**  **h e**  **c r**  **it er**  **ia l**  **aid f**  **o r**  **th in S**  **ec tion 333**  B e low are the c rit e ria l a id fo rth i n S ec t i on 333 (b) and a d e tailed d e s c ripti o n of how AerialZeus m ee ts e a c h o f th e se c rit e ri a . **a. S**  **iz e**  **, W e**  **ig h**  **t, and Sp**  **ee d**  The E384 ’ s f

o am ai r f r am e w e i ghs 5.9 lb s ., h a s a 6
. 2 f t. win g sp an, l e n gth of 4.3 ft., and op e r a

tes at c ruising s p ee ds of 27 mp h. This small, l i ghtw e i gh t
a ir c r a ft th at ope r ates at r e lative l y slow sp e e ds will pos e s l i t t le to no h a z ard to p e ople or stru c tur e s on the g r ound, thus m aking it an e x pon e nt i a l l y s a f e r a l t e rn a t i ve to m ann e d, fi x e d wi ng a ir c r a ft f o r a e r i a l i ma g i n g . **b .**  **O p**  **er ational Ca**  **p a**  **b i**  **l ity**  The prim ar y fu n c t i on of the E 384 is t o pr o vide a er ial i m a g e r y using o n e of two in t e r c h an g e a

ble g e o - r e fer e n c e st i ll came r a s. H i gh r e solu t ion data g e n e r ated f r om these c ame r a s of

f e r a wide r a

n ge of a ppl i cat i ons throu gh an a l y si s , su c h a s bio m a ss estimation, y

i e ld m oni t orin g , le a f area in d e x ing and ov e r a ll plant h ea l th
. The E384 is hand l a

un c h e d o n - si t e , r e quiri n g no runw a y for tak e - o f f a nd landing and no tr ansit to and f rom the site. On c e a irbo r

ne, the E384 will f

l y at an
a l t i tude of 4 0 0 ft. A G L o r l e ss ov e r the d e si gn ated a gri c ul tur a l p l o t . P rior to fli ght, the P i lot in C o m m and (P I C) s e t s a d e s i gn ated flight ar e a and fl i ght param e te r s to e nsure that the E384 will r e main with i n the c onfi n e s of the a p p r ov e d site an d not
e x cee d a ma x i mum alt i tu de 400 f t . A G L
. I f a c ritic a l i ssue su c h a s a low b a t t e r y state or a loss of d ata - link is det ec ted a t an y t i me t h e E384 will i m medi ate l y9

e x ec ute a r e tu rn - to - laun c h s e qu e n c e (R e f e r e n c e A pp e ndix D ) . The E384 ’ s sm all op e r a t i on a l footp r int and bui lt
- in sa fe t y p roto c ol p rovide a much s a f e r a l t e rn at i ve for a e ri a l i m a g ing and w ould pose a m i ni m a l h a z ard to the N AS or publi c . **c .**  **P r**  **ox i**  **m i**  **ty t**  **o Ai r**  **p o**  **r ts/Pop**  **u lat**  **e d**  **A re**  **as** The E384 will on l y op e rate ov e r unpopulated areas f or the pur pose o f
c ol l ec t i ng ae r i a l i mag e r y . AerialZeus will not perform fly overs with i n 5 NM from any commercial a irp o rts . The E3 8 4 will a lso op e r a te at an a l t i tude of 4 0 0 ft. A G L or l e s s , and a s a r e sult wi l l be l at e r a l l y d e - c o n fli c ted f r om mann e d a ir c r a ft op e r at i ons. B y o p e r a

t i n g a t l ow a l t i tud e s o v e r environmental sites , the E384 will pose no thr eat t o ind i viduals or stru c tur e s on t he gro und and will r e m a in w e ll
c le ar o f a n y and a ll a ir tr a f

f ic. **d .**  **Vis u**  **al L**  **i n**  **e of**  **S i**  **g h**  **t ( V**  **LO S**  **)** The E384 will be flo w n i n acc or d an c e with d a y V i su a l F l i ght R ules ( V F R)
and on l y in Visu a l Me t e o rolo g i c a l Condi t ions ( VM C ) dur ing d a y- l i ght h o urs. T he E384 will op e r a

te w i thin 1 NM and V L OS of the P IC ( a nd th e S a f

e t y Ob s e rv e r posit i on e d n e x t t o the P I C) a t an a l t i tude 400 f t. A G L or l e s s . The Sa f

e t y Obs e rver will be r e spons i ble f

or e n suring that the E384 r e m a ins with i n V L OS at a ll t i m e s and will a lso assist i n spott i ng potential h a z ards.10

**3. Oth**  **e r**  **R e**  **levant F**  **a c**  **to r**  **s a.**  **O p**  **er ational**  **L i**  **m ita**  **t io**  **n s**  AerialZeus h a s e stabli s h e d th e following o p e r a t i on a l l i m i tations for E384 fli ghts ov e r d e si gn ated Environmental s i t e s.
o E384 f

l i ghts a r e on l y p e r

m i t t e d ov e r d e si gn ated Environmental si t e s o The E384 will op e r a

te at or b e low 400 f

t. A G L
o The E384 will op e r a

te with i n 1 NM and with i n V L OS of the P I C and S a f e t y Obs e r v e r
o The S a f

e t y Ob s e rver w i l l be lo cated n e x t t o the P I C and will e nsure the a ir c r a ft r e mains within V L OS and a ss i st i n spott i ng potential h a z ards
o The E384 will op e r a

te in acc or d an c e with D a y Vi s u a l F li ght R ules and on l y in Visual M e teo r ol o g i c a l C ondi t ions during d a y l i ght hours
o The dur a

t i on of e ac h E3 8 4 fli ght sh a ll not e x cee d 100 m i nutes
o All t ak e - off and landi n g s will o cc ur o n - si t e in a cc ord a n c e with the E384 O p e r a

t i ons Manu a l ( R e f

e r e n c e App e ndix D )
o E384 fli ghts will avoid d i r e c t ov e r f l i ght o f a n y o f fi c e or m a in t e n an c e bui l din g s loc ated on
- si t e
o AerialZeus' e mp l o ye e s wo r king o n - si t e will be thorou gh l y br i e f e d on E384 op e r a

t i ons prior to op e r a

t i ons c om m e n c i n g
o E384 op e r a

t i ons will be c ondu c ted b y AerialZeus' e mploy ees who have completed Ev e nt 38’s T ra in i ng P r o gr a m ( R e f e r e n c e App e ndix F ) , and have considerable aeronautical and spatial knowledge ( Appendices G, H, I, J & K)11

o E384 fli ghts will be c an c e l l e d in th e e v e nt th at an y a i r c r a ft or g round c ontrol s t at i on e quip m e nt i s inop e r a t i ve or n o t fu l l y fun c t i on a l
o I f the P IC o r Sa fe t y Ob s e rv e r spot a potential h a zard, su c h a s a mann e d a ir c r a ft w i thin c l ose pro x i m i t y to the d e s i gn at e d fli ght a re a , the P I C will i m medi ate l y land the E384 and op e rat i ons will on l y r e sume a f t e r the h a z ard is c le ar of th e ar ea
o All E384 mainten an c e w i ll be acc omp l ished in a cc ord a n c e with the E384 M a in t e n an c e M anu a l ( R e fer e n c e App e ndix E )
o On l y one E384 will be a i rbo r ne at an y g iven ti m e for e a c h d e s i gn ated Environmental site
o The P IC wi l l file a N O T AM f or E384 f l i gh t s a t e ac h Environmental si t e , providing at a min i mum r a dial/D M E, r a dius, and a d ate/t i me g r oup AerialZeus w i l l be bound b y t h e se l i m i tations for c om m e r c ial fl i ghts a f t e r F A A a ppro va l of the e x e mp t ions l a id fo rth i n th i s p e t i t i on. AerialZeus w i l l also follow an y g

uidan c e f rom the F A A in acc or d an c e with S e c 3 3 3 ( c ) w hich s t ates th at a f t e r d e te r m i ning if a UAS m e e ts the c rit e ria for s a fe o p e r a t i on that the FAA

“ s h a ll [ a lso] e stabli s h r e quir e ments for the s a fe op e r a t i o n of th e ” U A S in the N AS
.12 **b .**  **Environmental Sites** There is an urgent need to provide reliable imagery: infrared, near infrared, thermal, multispectral and h yp erspectral in an economical and prompt fashion. The state of California is in dire need of stri ctly monitoring its natural resources now more than ever. The scarcit y of water, due to a severe drought, has placed a great deal of stress in the local flora and fauna. Add to this, the impact of human interaction, and you have a recipe for disaster. Th e s e si t e s are Environmental p l ots wh e r e flora and fauna are mon i tor e d b y s c ientist s i n an e f fo rt t o preserve local plants and animals, as well as to mitigate the impact of human interaction, primaril y due to construction of infrastructure and housing. A f e w sm a ll of f ice and mainte n an c e bui l din g s might be foun d at sev e r a l o f th e se si t e s an d AerialZeus w i l l ensu r e a ll E384 op e r at i ons avoid ove r - fl i ght of these stru c tur e s . I

n a ddi t ion to this , AerialZeus will verify that the r e are no c om m e r c ial
a irpo rts with i n 5 NM and no g e n e r a l aviation ai r p o rts with i n 3 NM of these si t e s . AerialZeus s e e ks a

ppro va l t o op e r a

te at future Environmental sit e s that m ee t the f ol l owing c rit e ri a : 1) si t e is own e d and op e r at e d b y Caltrans and/o r other state /federal agency , 2 ) site c o nsists of Environmental p l ots, 3) no c om m e r c ial
a i r ports are w ith i n 5 NM of th e si t e , and 4) no g e n e r a l av iation ai r ports are with i n 3 NM of the sit e . AerialZeus will a lso comp l y with an y a d di t ional re quir e ments or r e strictions the F AA m a y h ave for E384 op e r a t i ons a t futur e s i t e s for which AerialZeus will provide precise GPS coordinate prior to an y project.13

**D. Basis**  **f**

**or P**  **e ti**  **t ion**  **1. N**  **a m**  **e a**  **n d**  **Ad d**  **re ss**  **of the**  **P e**  **ti t**  **io n**  **e r**  AerialZeus, L L C , Attention: Luis Robles, CEO & Co
- Founder 1325 Howe Avenue, Suite 21 3 

### Sacramento, CA 95825 P hon e : 916
- 768
- 4109 Em a i l : luis.robles@aerialzeus.com **2. Sp**  **ec i**  **f**

**ic Se c**  **tions of 14**  **C F**  **R f** 

**r o**  **m w**  **h ich**  **AerialZeus S**  **ee k**  **s E**  **x e**  **m p**  **tion** B e low are the s ec t i ons f

r om whi c h AerialZeus s ee ks e x e mp t ion, with sp ec ifi c s on the e x tent of re l i e f so u ght, r e a son for r e l i e f, a nd w h y e x e mp t ion would not a dv e rs e l y a f f ec t s a f e t y . **a. P**  **a r**  **t 21 S ubp**  **a r**  **t H**

**– Ai**  **r w**  **o r**  **thi n**  **e ss C**  **er ti**  **f ica**  **t i**  **o n**  P art 21 Subp art H e stabli s h e s t he r e qui r e ments for the issuan c e of an a ir w orth i n e ss c e rtifi cat e. AerialZeus s ee ks c omp l e te e x e mp t ion f r om P art 21 Sub p art H pur su ant wi th S ec t i on 333, whi c h a uthori z e s the F AA to e x e mpt a U A S f r om the re quir e m e nts o f a n a i r w orthin e ss c e rtifi cate b a sed on
c onsid e r at i on of the followin g : s iz e , w e i gh, sp ee d, op e r at i o n a l ca p a bi l i t y , pro x i m i t y to ai r

p o rts and populat e d are a s , and o p e r at i on with i n V L O S
. An e qu a l l e v e l of s a f

e t y will be ac hiev e d with the op e r a t i on a l li m i t at i ons e stabli s h e d in this do c ument ( R e fer e n c e B .3
. a ) f o r a ll AerialZeus' E384 f

l i g hts.14 S p ec ifi ca l l y that a ll fli gh t s will o cc ur w i thin V L O S of the P IC and S a f e t y Obs e rv e , at an a l t i tude of 400 f t . A G L or l e s s , and on l y ov e r d e s i gn ated
a gri c ul tur a l plo t s. As a re sult the E384 can s a f e l y op e r a te without c r e at i n g a h a z ard to an y other a ir c ra ft, p e ople, or str u c tur e s o n the gr o und
. **b .**  **4 5.23**  **(b)**

**– M**  **a r**  **k i**  **n g R**  **equ ir**  **e m**  **e n**  **ts** 45.23 ( b) r e qui r e s a i r c ra f

t t o displ a y th e r oman c api t a l l e t t e r “N” with
re g is tr a t i on number and t he wo r ds “ r e strict e d ” , “ l i gh t - sport ” , “e x p e rim e nta l ” , or

“ provisional ” , a s a

ppl icable, on the e ntr an c e to th e c abin, c o c kpi t , or p i l ot s t at i on in l e t t e ring that is b e tw ee n 2 i n . and 6 in. in hei gh t . The E384 is un m ann e d and thus h a s no ca

bin, co c kp i t, p i lot s t at i on, or e ntr an c e on whi c h these r e quir e d
mar kin g s c ould be disp la ye d. In a ddi t ion , AerialZeus m a y not h ave a re g is t r a t i on number a ss i gn e d b y the F AA. As a r e sult AerialZeus s ee ks full e x e mp t ion f r om this re g ulation. AerialZeus w i l l t o the m a x i mum e x tent po s sib l e c omp l y with the lo c at i on r e quir e ments of 45.27 ( a ) and the s i z e r e quir e men t s of 45.29 ( f )
. A erialZeus sp ec ifi ca l l y pro p o s e s to put the wo r d “ E X P E R IM E N T A L ” in the l a r g e st le t t e ring poss i ble on the f us e l a g e of the a ir c r a ft in a cc or dan c e with 45.29 ( f ) “ i f no sur fa c e a uthori z e d to be m ark e d b y 45.27 is lar ge e no u gh for fu l l
si z e mar ks, m ar k s a s lar ge a s p r ac t ic a

ble mu st be pla ce d on th e l a r g e st o f the
a uthori z e d sur f

a ce s ”
. AerialZeus a lso prop o s e s pl ac ing a f l a g at the g round
c ontrol station wi th the w ords “ E X PE R I M E N T A L U AS ” in 3 i n . lette r in g .15 An e qu a l l e v e l of s a f

e t y would be maintain e d b y disp la y i n g the w ord

“ E X P E R I M E N T A L ” on the f

us e l a g e o f the a i r c ra f

t and b y pl a c i n g a fl a g at the ground c ontrol station wi th the w ords “ E X P E R IM E N T A L U A S”
. S ince th e E384 will a lw a y s b e with i n V L O S of the P IC (posit i on e d at the ground c ontrol s t at i on)
and flo w n at a low a l t i tude (4 00 f t . A G L o r l e ss) t he mar

ki n g s on the a i r f

r a me and the f l a g loc ated at the gr o und c ontrol station would allow a ll p arti e s to visual l y be info r med of the U AS’ op e r a

t i n g status.
**c .**  **91.7 (a)** 

**– Civil**  **Air cr**  **a f**  **t Air**  **w o**  **r thi**  **n e**  **ss** 91.7 (a ) st ates th a t “ no p e rson m a y o p e r ate a c iv i l a ir c r a ft unless it is i n an a ir w orth y c ondi t ion” AerialZeus s e e k s full e x e mp t ion f r om th i s re g

ulation , since AerialZeus w i l l a c hieve a high l e v e l of s a f e t y b y using E384 O p e r a

t i ons M anu a l and M a in t e n an c e M anu a l ( App e ndix D an d E ) whi c h c ontain p r e - f l i ght proto c ol for e ac h fl i ght, s a f

e t y c h ec ks, and c ompr e h e nsive m a in t e n an c e pro c e dur e s. In a ddi t ion t he E384 h a s a l r ea d y d e m onstr a ted the a bi l i t y to f l y s a f e l y in the N A S at the Clev e land A ir
- show, and thus is a ir w orth y . **d .**  **91.9 (b)** 

**– Civi**  **l Air**  **cr a**  **f t**  **F l**  **i g**  **h t**  **M a**  **nu al**  **i n**  **the Air cr**  **a f**  **t** 91.9 (b) stat e s that no p e r son m a y o p e r a te an a i r c r a ft unless the r e is a
c ur re nt a ppro ve d fli ght manu a l for the a ir c r a ft o n bo ard. T he E38 4 ’s sm a ll and l i ghtw e i ght ai r f

r a me is n ot p h y sic a l l y c a

p a ble o f c ar r y i n g an a ir c r a ft f

l i ght m anu a l onbo ard. In a ddi t ion t o t his the E384 is un m ann e d, and the P I C is l o cat e d a t the16 ground c ontrol station. AerialZeus thus se e ks e x e mp t ion f r om the r e qui r e ment t o car r y the a ir c r a ft f

l i ght m anu a l onbo ard. AerialZeus inst ea d p ropos e s that the E384 Op e r a

t i ons M anu a l (R e fer e n c e App e ndix D ), whi c h c ontai n s info r mation
norm a l l y foun d in an a ir c r a ft f l i ght m anu a l, be k e p t a t the ground c ontrol station wh e re is r ea di l y a sses s a

b le to the P I C and S a f

e t y Obs e rver f

or r e f e r e n ce . I f it w e re p h y s i ca l l y poss i ble f or th e se r e quir e d d o c uments to be pla ce d onbo ard the a i r c raf

t , the P IC and S a f

e t y Obs e r v e r would h ave no me ans o f
ac c e ss i ng the in f

o rm at i o n due to the f

a c t th a t E3 8 4 is un m ann e d with no ai rc rew onbo ard. T h e r e fo r e , an e q u a l l e v e l of s a f e t y w ill be me e t b y k ee pi n g the E3 8 4 Op e r a t i ons M anu a l at the ground c ontrol station wh e re it will be re a di l y ac c e ss i ble ( with i n arm ’ s r e ac h ) to the P I C who is op e r a t i n g the a i r c raft, thus
me e t i ng the intent of th e re g ulation.
**e .**  **91.103**

**– P**  **re f** 

**l i**  **g h**  **t A c**  **tion** 9 1.103 re quir e s that the P IC be f am i l i ar w i th sp e c ific i n fo r mation be f

o r e eac h fl i ght such a s w eath e r , fo r eca st, and f ue l r e qu ir e ments. I

n a ddi t ion t o th i s the P IC must be f

a m i l i ar w i t h info r

mation found w i thin the a ppro ve d f l i ght m a nu a l
r e lating to a ir c r a f

t p e r f o r man c e and t ak e - o ff and l anding dis t an c e s. Due to the fac t that the E384 h a s no F A A
- a ppro v e d f l i ght m anu a l AerialZeus s ee ks e x e mp t ion f r om th i s r eg

ulation. AerialZeus p r opos e s to use the E384 O p e r a t i ons M anu a l ( R e f e re n c e App e ndix D ) in l i e u of an F A A
- a ppro ve d f l i ght m anu a l. T his publ i cat i on h a s e x tensive pr e - fl i ght ch ec kl i s t s that include r e vie w ing w e athe r , b at t e r y r e quir e ments, t ak e - o f f a n d landing dis t an c e s , and a ir c r a ft p e r fo r ma n c e d at a .17 The info r mation found in the E384 O p e r at i ons Manu a l i s c o mpara ble to the in f orm at i on found in a F A A
- a ppro v e d f l i ght m anu a l, t o include a
c ompr e h e nsive ste p - b y- s tep p r e - fl i ght c h ec kl i st. As a re sult an e qu a l l e v e l of
s a f e t y will be maintain e d b y the P I C usi n g th i s public at i o n , whi c h a ddr e s s e s the i t e ms l is t e d in 91.103. **f .**  **91.109**

**– F**  **l i**  **g h**  **t Inst r**  **u c**  **t ion**  91.109 stat e s that “ no p e r son m a y o p e r a te a c iv i l a ir c r a ft th at i s b e i n g us e d for fli ght i nstru c t i on unl e ss th at ai rc raft h a s ful l y f un c t i oning du a l c ontrol s ” . The E384 is ope rated b y the P IC thro u gh a g round c o ntro l s t at i on that c om m u nic ates with the a ir c r a ft v ia line of si ght ( L OS) tr ansm i ss i ons. The E384 b y d e s i gn do e s not have ful l y fun c t i oni n g du a l c ontrols and a s a r e sult AerialZeus s ee ks
e x e mp t i on f

r om this r e g

ulation. E x e mp t ion f

r om this r e g

ulation r e quiring d

u a l c o ntrols wi l l not c r e ate a s a f e t y h a z ard b eca

u s e the E384 is un m ann e d and d o e s not car r y a pi l ot or p a sse n g ers on b o ard. In a ddi t ion the E384’s sm a ll si z e and f oam ai r f r ame is si gnifi cant l y less h a z ard o us to pe r sons and stru c tur e s on the ground than a
mann e d , fi x e d
- wing a ir cr a ft. B eca u s e the E384 gr ound c ontrol station consist of a RX9 c ontroll e r a

nd P C c ompu t e r , it will be acce s s ib l e to bo th the I nstru c t o r and S tudent at all t i m e s. The “c ontrols” c an in ess e n c e be p a ssed b a c k and fo rth b e tw ee n the I

ns tru c tor an d S tuden t , ac hieving an e quival e nt lev e l of s a f e t y a s h aving two s e ts of c ontr o ls.18 **g. 91.119** 

**– M**  **i n**  **i m**  **u m**  **S a**  **f e**  **Alti t**  **ud e**  91.119 e stabli s h e s the mini mum alt i tude th a t civil a ir c r a ft m a y s a f e l y op e r a te at. 91.119 ( c ) s p e c ifi ca l l y stat e s that ov e r “ other than c o n g e s t e d a r e a s ” a
c iv i l ai rc raft cannot op e r ate b e low an “a l t i tude of 500 fee t abo v e the sur f a c e , e x ce pt over op e n w a

t e r o r sp ars e l y populat e d are a s ( an d ) in those ca s e s, the
a ir c r a ft m a y not be op e rated c loser than 500 f ee t t o an y p e rson, v e s s e l, ve h icl e , or stru c tur e” . T h e sole fun c t i on of the E384 is t o f l y a t l ow a l t i tud e s ov e r Environmental Monitoring plo t s, whi c h can be c a t e gori z e d a s “ other than
c o n g e sted a r ea s ”
. S mall U AS ’ , l i ke the E384, b y d e si gn are t y p i c a l l y flo w n at alt i tud e s of l e ss th an 500 f t . A G L and in close pro x i m i t y to the P IC and S a f e t y Obs e r v e r to m a in t a in V L OS. AerialZeus h a s e stabli s h e d op e r a t i n g l i m i t at i ons to ac hieve the h i gh e st l e v e l of s a f e t y , sp e c ifi ca l l y that the E384 will not ope rate
a bove 400 f

t . AG L and that th e E384 will remain with i n V L OS of the P I C and S a f e t y Obs e rv e r. F or these re a so n s AerialZeus s ee ks e x e mp t ion f r om this
r e g u lation. I n a ddi t ion , the E384’s small s i z e and f oam ai r f r ame i s s i gnifi c ant l y less h a z ardous to pe r sons and stru c tur e s on the ground t h an a mann e d, fi x e d
- wing
a i r c r a ft p r ovid i n g the s ame s e rvi ce . Also b y o p er a t i n g a t an a l t i tude of 4 0 0 ft. A G L or l e ss the E384 w i ll be lat e r a l l y de
- c onfli c ted f r o m m ann e d a ir c r a ft th at a r e subj ec t t o th i s m i ni mu

m sa f e a l t i tude re g

ulation and th us an e qu a l i f not gre ater lev e l of s a f

e t y will be maintain e d.19 **h .**  **91.121**

**– Alti**  **me t**  **e r**  **S e**  **t tings**  91.121 re quir e s a ir c r a ft t o maintain a c ruis in g le v e l or f l i ght l e v e l i n r e fer e n c e to a c u r

re nt r e p ort e d a l t i m e ter s e t t i n g . T he E384 is not e quipped with a prog ram m a

ble a l t i m e ter but r ather d e t e rmin e s lo c a t i on and a l t i tude via an onbo ard GP S . Also s i n c e the E384 will be op e r a t i n g at or b e low 400 f

t. A G L , th e re is no
n ee d to m a in t a in hemisph e ri ca l c ruising a l t i tud e s for d e - c onfli c t i on with m ann e d
a ir c r a ft. F o r th e se r ea so n s Aeri a lZ eus s ee ks e x e mp t ion f r om this r e g

ulation. An e qu a l l e v e l of s a f

e t y will be ac hiev e d thro u gh the E384’s G PS , whi c h provid e s a l t i tude and lo c a t i on d a ta to the P IC via t he gro und c ontrol s t at i o n . The E384 O p e r a

t i ons Manu a l spe c ifi ca l l y a d d r e s s e s c h e c ki n g the GPS r e a d
- out t o e nsure that i t ’s with i n to l e r a n c e prior to comme n c ing fl i ght ope r at i ons. This,
c omb i n e d with the f

a c t th at the a ir c r a ft ’ s a l t i tude will be visual l y mon i tor e d b y the P I C and Sa f

e t y Obs er v e r , e nsur es an e qu a l l e v e l of s a f e t y is atta i n e d in l ieu of
r e fer e n c i n g an a l t i m e ter s e t t in g . F u rth e rmo r e b y o p e r a t i n g at or b e low 400 f

t . A G L the E384 will not c r e ate a h a z ard to an y m a nn e d a ir c r a ft m a in t a in i n g h e m i sph e ric c ru i si n g a l t i tud e s b a s e d on a c urr e nt a l t i m e ter s e t t in g . **i. 91.151**  **(a)**

**– F**  **u e**  **l R e**  **qu ir**  **e m**  **e n**  **ts f**  **or F**  **l i**  **g h**  **t in V F**  **R Con**  **d itio**  **n s**  91.151 ( a ) st ates th at no p e rson m a y b e g in a fli ght in D a y V F R c ondi t ions unless the r e is eno u gh f

u e l t o f l y to the in t e nd e d l anding point and f l y for 30
m i nutes a ft e r th at po i nt i s r eac h e d. The E384 is b at t e r y o p e r ated and d o e s not
car r y fu e l. It h a s a ma x i mum f l i ght t i m e of 100 minutes on f ul l y c h ar g e d b at t e ri e s . Comp l ian c e with the regulation wou l d le ave the E 384 with 70 m i nutes of fli ght t i me. 70 m i nutes of fli ght t i m e would be suf f ici e nt e nou gh to acc omp l is h the task20 of im a g i n g the d e si gn ate a gri c ul tur a l p l ot but this r e striction i s not n ece ssary due to the f a c t E384 h a s the abi l i t y to l and an y wh e r e . T h e r e f

o re , AerialZeus s ee ks f ull e x e mp t ion f

r om this r e g

u lation b eca

use the risk or d ang e r a ss o c iat e d with f a i l ing to r eac h a s a f

e landi n g p oint with 30 m inu t e s of e x tra “ fu e l” do e s not e x is t . The E384 do e s not h ave to r e t urn to a “ landi n g poin t ” but r a ther c an be
s a f e l y p ut down an y

wh e re ov e r an y Environmental site
. An e qu a l l e v e l of s a f

e t y will be m a in t a ined simply b y the f ac t th at the E384 is desi gn e d to s a f

e l y land an y

wh e re ov e r any

Environmental site in the
e v e nt that the b at t e r y is e x h a usted. A n y risk a ssoci a t e d with batte r y d u r a t i on ( f u e l) in r e lationship t o fli ght t i m e is m i t i g ated b y th e fa c t th at E384 h a s the
a bi l i t y t o land an y

w h e r e and at an y g iv e n t i me. **j .**  **91.203 (a)**  **& (b)** 

**– Civil**  **Air cr**  **a f**  **t: C**  **er ti**  **f ica**  **t io**  **n s**  **R e**  **qu ir**  **e m**  **e n**  **ts** 91.203 re quir e s a ll c iv i l ai rc r a ft to h av e “ with i n i t ... an a ppro p r i ate and
c ur re nt a ir w orthin e ss c e rt ifi cate” that must be “ di s pl a ye d at the c a bin or c o c kpit
e ntr an c e so t h at i s le g ib l e to pass e ng e rs or c rew ” T he E 3 84, due to i ts s i z e and d e si gn , h a s no ca

bin or c o c kpit and the re f

o re do e s not h ave th e a

bi l i t y to a f

fix or c ar r y ce rtifi c at i on or re g is tr a t i o n do c uments. F urth e rmo r e the E3 84 do e s not c ar r y an y p a sse n g e rs o r c r e w f

or w hom the ce rtifi cat e is r e q uir e d to be d ispl a ye d. AerialZeus prop o s e s that an y F AA
- r e quir e d do c uments b e k e pt at the g round
c ontrol s tation and that a small pla c ard be a f f i x e d to the E384 a i r f

rame w i th
manu f ac tur e , re g is tr a

t i on, and c ont a c t i nfo r

mation.21 An e qu a l l e v e l of s a f

e t y will be ac hiev e d b y h av i ng an y F AA r e qui r e d do c uments lo cated at the ground c ontrol station wh e re it will be re a di l y ac c e ss i ble to the P IC and an y oth e r a g e n c ies th at m a y r e qui r e the in f orm at i on. H avi n g a pla card at t ac h e d to the E 384 a ir f r a m e will a lso a l l ow an y p e rson o r a g e n c i e s to be info r med of the U AS’ o r i g in and st a tus. **k .**  **P a**  **r t 91**  **Subp a**  **r t E (**  **9 1.40**  **1 -**  **91.417)**

**– M**  **ai n**  **t e**  **n a**  **n ce**  **, P**  **r e**  **v e**  **n ta**  **t ive**  **M ai**  **n t**  **e n**  **a n**  **ce , a**  **n d**  **Alt e**  **r ations**  Th e se re g u l at i o ns provid e d the m a in t e n an c e and i nsp ec t i ons r e quir e m e nts in r e f e r e n c e to P art 39 an d P art 43. 91.405 (a ) sp e c ifi ca l l y stat e s that “ no p e rson m a y p e r f orm m a in t e n an c e , pr e v e nt i ve m a in t e n an c e , and a l t e r at i ons on an a i r c raft other than a s p r e s c ribed i n th i s subpart and oth e r appl i ca ble r e g ulations, i n c lud i ng p art 43 of th i s c h a

pt e r ”
. AerialZeus s ee ks full e x e mp t ion f r om th e se re g ulations due to the fac t th at an e qu a l l e v e l of s a f e t y will be ac hiev e d b y usi n g the E384 O p e r at i ons M anu a l (Re f

e r e n c e Ap p e ndix D ) a

nd E384 M a in te n an c e M anu a l ( R e f e r e n c e App e ndix E ) w hich p r ovide step
- b y- step ins tru c t i ons on re g ular and
c o r r e c t i ve mainten an c e. T h e P IC will be r e spons i ble f or c on d u c t i ng mainte n an c e in acc or d an c e with these p r o ce dur e s . A n y E384 ma i nten an c e th at i s not c ov e r e d in these proc e dur e s will be p e r f orm e d b y th e manu fa c tur e r . AerialZeus will e nsure that a ll mainten an c e p e r f

o rm e d on the E384 b y the P I C and manu f a c turer is do c ument e d in a c c ord a

n c e with 91.407 ( a ) (1 )
. S p ec ifi ca l l y that the r ec o rds w i l l include “ a d e s c ription of the w ork pe rf orm e d; and the d ate of c omp l e t i on of the22

wo r k p e r fo r med; and the si gn atur e ...of the p e rson a ppro v i n g the a i r c raft f

or r e turn to se r

vi c e”
. T h e P IC will a

uthori z e the E384 for r e turn to s e rvi c e for a ll mainten an c e c ov e r e d in t he E384 O p e r at i ons Man u a l and M a in t e n an c e M a nu a l
and the m anufa c tur e r will a uthori z e the E384 for r e turn to se r vice for a ll mainten an c e th at i s outside the s c ope o f th e se two do c ument s . AerialZeus w i l l
a lso e nsure that no mod i fi cat i ons or a l t e r a t i ons ar e m a de to the a ir f

r ame that
a f f ec t the fli ght ope r at i ng c h ar ac t e r is t ics of the E384. **3. How**  **re qu**  **e st bene**  **f**

**its p**  **ub l**  **i c**  **as a w**  **h ole**  The E384 is a s a f

e , e f fi c i e nt, and an e c onom i ca l a l te r n a t i ve to m ann e d, fi x e d
wing a i r c r a ft that a r e c u rr e nt l y b e i n g us e d to c on d u c t a e r i a l i m a g i n g of Environmental sites . Th e re are multiple r e a sons w h y t h e publ i c w o uld ben e fit f r om g r ant i ng AerialZeus
e x e mpt i ons f

r om th e se re g

ulations : 1) re du c e the number of m ann e d a ir cr a ft in the N A S , 2) r e du c e a ir and noise pol l ut i on, 3) r e du c e the r i sk to l i fe and p r op e rt y on the gro und,
and 4) in c re a se e c ono m ic g r owth, Uti l i z ing the E384 in l ieu of a tr a di t ional mann e d, fi x e d wing a ir c r a ft w i l l r e sult in the ov e r a ll r e du c t i on of mann e d a ir c r a ft in the N AS. Thus th e re will be l e ss ai rc raft th at
r e qui re c ontrol and c o o r d ination wi th Air T ra f f ic Controll e rs ( A TC). B ec a use the E384
can tak e - off and land on
- si t e and op e r a t e at an a l t i tude of 400 f

t . A G L ( o r l e ss) w i thin V L OS of the P I C th e re is no n ee d for A T C to pro v ide c oordin at i on dur i n g groun d, tak e of f , d e p arture , tr ansi t , arr ival, and landing p h a s e s of f l i ght.23 At 5.9 lb s . the b at t e r y o p e r a ted E384 with an e l e c tric mo t or provid e s a mu c h quiet e r a l t e r

n at i ve to m a nn e d, fi x e d
- wing a ir c r a ft. T ra di t ional l y a mann e d a ir c r a ft w ould h ave to tr ansit f

r om the d e p artur e a irpo rt to the d e sir e d site and f l y at low a l t i tud e s to ac hieve h i gh
- r e solu t ion i mag e r y . The E384 will r e quire no tr ansit t i m e , an d the e le c tric
mo t or w i l l be e x pon e nt i a l l y quiet e r th an a twi n - e n g ine c ombust i on mo t or on p a sse n g e r a ir c r a ft th at i s t y

pi c a l l y u s e d to condu c t a e r i a l i m a g i n g . In a ddi t ion the E384 r e quir e s no fu e l s i n c e it is batt e r y o p e r a ted. A m ann e d a i r c r a ft on the oth e r h a nd t y pic a ll y bur

n s 20
- 30 g a l l ons of aviation fu e l per hour whi c h is po l lu t ing the a ir not on l y ov e r t he si t e but
ov e r the p ath of tr ansit a nd around the a irp o rt. Condu c t i ng a e ri a l i m a g i n g with the E384 in l ieu of a mann e d a i r c r a ft w ould thus gr eat l y re du c e both air pol l ut i on a nd noise pol l ut i on whi c h is of gre at ben e fit to the public. Using the E384 would a lso gr eat l y r e d u c e if not c omp l e te l y e l i m i n ate the r isk t o l i fe and p r op e rt y on th e groun d. The E384’s in c r e d ib l y small si z e , r e du ce d w e i ght, and fo a m ai r f r a me pose no h az ard to p e ople or stru c tur e s on the ground a s opp o s e d to a mann e d twin e n g i n e - p a sseng e r a i r c r a ft w hich h a s a much gre ater potential for c ol l at e r a l d am a g e . In a ddi t ion the E384 is un m ann e d and a s a r e sult the r isk asso c i a ted w i th pi l ot i ng th i s a ir c raft is no n - e x is t e nt. Ov e r a ll the E 384 provid e s a much s a fer a l t e rn a t i ve to
mann e d, fi x e d
- wing a ir c r a ft op e r at i ons for the pu r pose of c ol l ec t i n g a e ri a l i mag e r y . L a st l y usi n g the E384 to provide a e ri a l i m a g e r y w ould r e sult valuable Environmental data
. H i g h
- r e solu t ion data g e n e r a ted f r om E384 fli ghts would provide
s c ientis t s with i nv a luable in f orm a t i on on bio m a ss estimation, y i e ld m oni t orin g , le a f ar e a inde x in g , and ov e r a ll plant h ea l th. The preservation and conservation of flora and fauna are critical for economical, cultural and ethical reasons. I n order to properly mitigate the human impact on nature, t here must exist the collective
- will to execute smart environmental strategies.24

Itis AerialZeus intent to assist on the following Environmental strategies, a).
- Establishment and rehabilitation of high quality wetlands to benefit sensitive biological re sources b).
- Increase of cover, diversity and population native plant, especially those with 'special status.' c).
- Manage grazing d).
- Manage invasive plants e).
- Improver habitat quality for native flora and fauna **4. Ad**  **d itio**  **n al**  **in f** 

**o r**  **m ation,**  **vie w**  **s, a n**  **d a**  **r g**  **u m**  **e n**  **ts** The following d o c umen t s h ave b ee n i n c luded a s App e ndic e s to this P e t i t i on. These a pp e ndi ces h ave b ee n submi t ted c onfi d e nt i a l l y f o r p r opri e t ar y re a sons and will not be av a i l able to the public.

Team Profile
............................... . ...... ......................... . .................... . App e n d i x A AerialZeus
- Organizational Chart..................................................... App e n d i x B Whitepaper
- Multispectral Analy sis..................................................Appendix C E 3 8 4 O p e r at i on s M a

nu al
............................... . .............................. . App e n d i x D E 8 3 4 M a i n t e n an ce M anu a l
............................... . ............................ . App e n d i x E E v e n t 3 8 T r a i n i n g S y

ll a b u s ............................... . ...... .......................App e n d i x F Event 38 Certification for Luis Robles..............
............................... Appendix G Pilot L og for Luis Robles..................................
............................... Appendix H George Mason University
.... .............................................................Appendix I University

of Minnesota...................................................................Appendix J Tetracam Training.................................................................. ...........Appendix K25

**5. Su**  **m m**  **a r**  **y f** 

**or F**  **e de**  **r al**  **R e**  **gist e**  **r** P ursu ant with S ec t i on 333 of the F A A Mod e rni z at ion and R e fo r m A c t of 2 012, AerialZeus , L L C r e qu e sts e x e mp t ion f r om the following Fe d e r a l Aviation Re g u l at i ons that are found und e r Tit l e 14 o f t he Code of Feder a l Re g u lations: P art 21 S ubp art H, 45.23 ( b), 91.7 (a ), 91
. 9 ( b ), 91
. 10 3 , 91.109, 91.119, 91.121, 91.151 (a ), 91
. 203 ( a ) ( b ), P art 91 S ubp art E ( 91.40 1
- 91.4 1 7). E x e mp t ion f r om th e se re g

ulations would allow Aerial Zeus , L L C to ope rate the E384 Unm ann e d A e ri a l S y stem o v e r Environmental S i t e s for t he pur p ose of providing h i g h
- r e solu t ion a e ri a l i m a g e r y .