### U.S. Department ofTransportation Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20591
Brian P. Gilbertson 110 Sagebrush Dr Enterprise AL, 36330 Website site**lV:YD:.'i,il$.\lri211\L~i.C:l""!il<c_&.e1m** 

### U.S. Drone Service (334)389-7260 Dear Sir or Madam: Re: ExemptionRequest Pursuantto Section 333 oftheFAAReformAct and Part 11 ofthe Federal Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR21 subpart H 14 CFR45.23(b) 14 CFR 91.7(a) 14 CFR 91.9(b)(2) 14 CFR 91.103 14 CFR 91.109 14 CFR 91.119(c) 14 CFR 91.121 14 CFR91.151(a) 14 CFR 91.203 (a) and (b) 14 CFR 91.405 (a) 14 CFR91.407 (a) (1) 14 CFR91.409 (a)(l) and (2) 14 CFR91.417(a) and (b) Pursuantto Section 333 oftheFAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (the "Reform Act") and 14 CFRPart 11, BrianP. Gilbertson (owner ofU.S. Drone Service) operator ofUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), U.S. Drone Service seeks to operate UAS for newsgathering, commercial production, and facilities inspection using the DJI Inspire 1. Because this petitionis similar inall material respects to previously-granted Section 333 petitions, U.S. Drone Service requests expedited approval pursuant to the FAA's summary grant process. PROPOSED OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC INTEREST BENEFITS hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") to allow commercial operation ofdesignated UAS, provided such operations are conducted within andunder the conditions outlinedherein oras maybe establishedbythe FAA as required by Section 333. Commercial operation ofanUAS, as described herein, which are equipped withcamera(s) and sensors, would provideprofessional services in the following areas:

### 1. Aerial photography and/or video for public and/orprivate use includingreal estate, architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities. 2. Aerial video and/orphotography for public and/or private use includingtelevision, public events, cinematography and newsgathering. 3. Aerial inspection/photography ofresidential/commercial structures under contract with the owners or local government authority. 4. Aerial inspection/photography ofresidential/commercial utility infrastructure including but not limited to electrical power lines, wind turbines and cell towers. 5. Aerial video/photography orproviding live video feed to assist with search and rescue operations in cases ofan emergency ornatural disaster only whenthe local authorities or governmenthas requested itby contract or donation. 6. Training to persons individually orbelonging to bothprivate and/or public organizations to increase awareness and improve safety for current and future UAS operations within the NAS. As described fully below, the requested exemption wouldpermitthe operation ofdesignated UAS as setforth inthis document under controlled conditions inthe NAS that wouldbe a) limited b) controlled c)predetermined and d) safe. Approval ofthis exemption would increase public awareness ofUAS operations and enhance safety to aid infulfilling the Secretary of Transportation's (the FAAAdministrator's) responsibilities to "
....establishrequirements for the safe operation ofsuch aircraft systems in the national airspace system." I also planto operate a UAS, the DJI Inspire 1 whichis comprised ofanunmanned aircraft (UA or Inspire 1) and a transportable ground station. The Inspire 1 is referred to as a quad-copter with a maximum gross weight ofabout 6.5 pounds. Itis equipped withfour rotors that are driven by electric motors powered by batteries. The UA has a maximum airspeed of22 m/s. Also, given the small size ofthe UAS's involved andthe restricted controlled environment within whichthey will operate, the applicant fits within that zone ofsafety (an equivalent level ofsafety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, byexemption, allow commercial operations ofUASs to commence inunediately. Also due to the size ofthe UASs andthe controlled areas inwhichthe relevantUASs will operate, approval ofthe application presents no national security issue. Giventhe following, the grant ofthe requested exemptions is clearlyin thepublic interest withbeing able to provide and insure a greater safety level byproviding aerial survey and photography services without puttinghumanlife at risk. Byusing the Inspire 1 Pro to conduct these services, the loss ofhuman life dueto aircraft engine failure ormalfunction is removed. This creates a service that is lowerriskthenprevious aerial survey andphotography options. BrianP. Gilbertson proposes thatthe exemptionrequested herein apply to civil aircraft that have the characteristics and that operate with the limitations listed herein. These limitations provide for an exceptional level ofsafety to operations. These limitations and conditions to which Brian P. Gilbertson agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operationsunder anFAA issued exemption including: l. The UAS will weighless than 55lbs.

### 2. ThePilotinCommand, BrianP. Gilbertson will be qualified as a Commercial Pilot, with the ratings and limitations ofRotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter. 3. Flights will be operated within line ofsight ofoperator. 4. Maximumtotal flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. 5. Flights willbeterminated at 15% battery powerreserve. 6. Flights will be operated at an altitude ofno more than 400 feet AGL 7. UAS operator will be trained and certified inthe proper safety and operations ofthe UAS. 8. The UAS will only operate within a controlled area as defined inthe Procedures. 9. The operator will post advisornotice around the controlled area and advise Local Flight Service Stations oftime period and location use to updatenotices to airmen. 10. The operator will have beentrained in operation ofUAS generally andreceived up-to· date information onthe particular UAS to be operated as required. 11. Ifthe UAS loses communications orloses its GPS signal, the UAS will have capabilityto return to a pre-determined location within the SecurityPerimeter and land. 12. The UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case ofunpredicted obstacles or emergencies. 13. The PIC will hold a private andmilitary (DD759) pilotcertificate as well as anFAA airman medical certificate or a validU.S. driver's license. 14. 12U.S. Drone Service will ensure prior to operationthatthe PIC (Brian P. Gilbertson) has demonstrated 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 will be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.P.R.§ 61.5l(b). 15. The PIC, BrianP. Gilbertson, is a decorated combat veteran ofthe AH-64D Apache, with 1000 (1500 Total hours) combathours logged. BrianP. Gilbertson has a thorough knowledge ofworking with local Air Traffic Control and a firm understanding ofair space and aircraft flight procedures. The ability to bring this experience will offer an added measure ofsafety when operating the un manned aircraft. Accordingly, the applicantrespectfully requests thatthe FAA grant the requested exemption for

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### Owner/Operator U.S. Drone Service 110 Sagebrush DR Enterprise, AL 36330 (334) 389-7260

### and are preparedto modifY or amend any part ofthis request to satisfY the need for anequivalent level ofsafety. We look forward to working with your office. Please contactus atany time if additional information or clarifications are needed. Ifyouhave anyquestions orneed additional information, please contact me at either**DJ:HiUJ).g;,jlJ"l1iWl.ill!.l{i£.ITl.~\Uoml1** 

### or (334)389-7260 cell. Sincerely, Brian P. Gilbertson Instructor PilotAH-64D Apache Owner/Operator U.S. Drone ServiceIll. CERTIFICATE NO. l. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

u. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE PENDING THIS CERTIFIES THAT IV. BRIAN PATRICK GILBERTSON v. 110 Sagebrush Dr. Enterprise, AL 36330 

# \ DATE OF IIIRTH 

# ! HEIGHT**~**

# I WEIGHT 

# I**~AIR I~ES**  

# .l SEX 

# l NATIONALITY w. 08/03/1976 69 IN 173 BROWN BROWN M USA IX. has beenfound to be properly qualified and I$ hereby aulilor!Zed ln aecordanl!eWilli the**~ondltlom;** of(ssUIIII<:e onthe

roverse ofthis certificate to exercise the priVIleges of 

# r(f\. COMMERCIAL PILOT RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS 

### t---: 

# \ u ROTORCRAFT 

### - HELICOPTER

# ~~ INSTRUMENT HELICOPTER xm.
THIS IS**~AN** ORIGINAL ISSUANCE 0 A REISSUANCE OF THIS DATE Of SUPERSEDED AIRMAN CERTIFICATE GRADE OF CERTIFICATE**~ ~**  BY DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR EXAMINER'S DESIGNATION NO, OR 

## " INSPECTOR'S REO, NO, z X. DATE OF ISSUANCE X.**SIGN~~**OR INSPECTOR**~** 2668615**~** 

# /(?.
. DATE DESIGNATION EXPIRES**·~** 02/05/2016 Dale E. White FAA f'AA &:nnn**Rll~n....l.** fA.'I'In '"'" 1>0,\llnll" o;nlTiniJ Ele<:lroni,Forllls (PDF) XIV. CONDITIONS OF ISSUANCE

This is an interim certificate Issued subject tothe approval ofthe Federal Aviation Administration pending the issuance ofa certificate of greater duration. It becomes void-- 1. Upon the receipt ofa certificate of greater duration to replace it; 2. Upon a finding by the FAA that an error has been made in its issuance; 3. Upona finding by the FAA that Itwas issued illegally oras the result offraud ormisrepresentation: 4. Uponthe refusal or failure by the holder to accomplish a flight check by a Flight Standards Inspector Ifso requested; and 5. In any case, atthe expiration of 120 days from date of Issuance.

Electronic forms jPDF)INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE-ARMY For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7.

2. Name 4. Period 8. Component RA 11. Duty Position

a. b. Aeft Date System Qual AH-64D(BS) IS Apr 11 NG 18Aprll NS IS Apr 11 AH-64D(FS) 18 Apr II NG 18 Apr 11**~s** 18 Apr 11 TII-67A IS April
2B-64(BS) NS 2B-64(FS) NS 2B64D(BS) 2B-64D(BS) NS 2B-64D(FS) NS 111-67FS

DA FORM 759 PART I. BIO/DEMOGRAPHIC Gilbertson, Brian P. l Sep 15

- 

### 15. DOB 03 Aug 76 

### 16. ASED 31 MarlO 9. Unit A Co, 1st Battalion 14th Aviation Regiment IP 

## 112. Operational Position Yes 17 Aug 15 PART II. FLIGHT HOURS SECTION A. QUALIFICATIONS C. d. e. f g. h. i. i k. Last Total CP/ PI/ PC/ UT/ IP/ IE/ SP/ Flight Time CE/ OR/ PO MO FE/ Fll Sl/ EO AO 10 AC 

### so 14Jan 16 370.4 247.3 123.1 OS Apr 15 67.8 08Aprl5 112.8 02 Feb 16 855.5 3.7 805.1 46.7 06 Jun 15 84.0 06 Jun 15 322.7 19Aug10 7<3 74.3

30 Apr 15 27.2 16.2 11.0 30Aprl5 5.0 08 Jul15 25.0 I9.0 6.0 29 Apr 14 8.0 19 Jan 16 5.5 5.5 29 Mar 12 40.4 40.4 24 Feb 12 2.0 18Apr12 43_7 43.7 22 Scp ll 3.0 22 JuliO 7.5 7.5

QUALIFICATIONS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE



## UNCLASSIFIED 1. Sheet No. 10 3. Rank CW2 7. Branch AV 10. DMOS152H

I. m.

MP/ ME/ CA DG n.XP

Page 1 of 3

SED V2.00INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE-ARMY For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7.

2. Name 4. Period 8. Component RA 11. Duty Position

a. b. A

eft Date System Qual
TH-67IS

RW

a. Combat 906.7 e. Civilian FW DA FORM 759 1. Sheet No. PART I. BIO/DEMOGRAPHIC 10

. 3. Rank Gilbertson, Brian P. CW2 5. DOB 7. Branch 1Sepl5- 03 Aug 76 

### 16. ASED 31 Mar 10 AV 9. Unit A Co, 1st Battalion 14th Aviation Regiment 12. Operational Position IP Yes PART II. FLIGHT HOURS SECTION A. QUALIFICATIONS C. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. Last Total CP/ PI! PC/ UTI IP/ IE/ Flight Time CE/ OR/ PO MO FE/ Fll EO AO 10 AC OS JuliO 30.0 30.0

10.8 !O.S

SECTION B. TOTAL HOURS b. Imminent Danger c. Civilian RW
f. Military FW g. Historical Hours 10. DMOS152H 17 Aug 15

k. I. m.

SP/ MP/ ME/ Sl/ CA DG 

### so

d. MilitaryRW 1311.0 h. Total Hours 1311.0 n.XP

Page 2 of 3

SED V2.00INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE-ARMY (Cont'd) For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7. 2. Name 13 Rank Gilbertson, Brian P. CW2 PART Ill. ATP 1. FAC 12 MTFE 13. Phys Exam 4. Ejection Seat 15 Alt Chamber N/A 7. Primary Acft 8. RL 9. Std Fit Eval 10. AH-640 3 11. Alternate Acft 12 RL 13. Std Fit Eval 14. 15. Additional Aeft 16. RL 17. Std Fit Eval PART IV. REMARKS l. Records closed 31 Dec 89 due to completion ofAH-640 INSTRUCTOR PILOT MOL 2. Aviator has completed 95757months oftotal operational flying duty credit. 3. Medical waiver granted effective 17 Sep 12.

Commander's Typed Name, Rank, Branch Signature John S. Arnold DAC,AV 

### DA FORM 759 

## UNCLASSIFIED 1. Sheet No. 10 4. Period 1 Sep 15

- 16. APART Completed lnst Eval lnst Eval

Date
Page3of3 SED \/2.00INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE- ARMY For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7. AIRCRAFT CLOSEOUT SUMMARY 1. Sheet No. 10 2. Name I 3. Rank 4. Period 5. Acft/Fit Sim Gilbertson, Brian P. CW2 1Sepl5- AH-64D(BS) FLYING DUTY SYMBOL k. I. m. FLIGHT COND a. b. C. d. e. f. g h. i. j. Total From SYM CPI PI/ PC/ UTI IPI IE/ SPI MPI ME/ XP This Sheet Total CEI OR/ PO MO FE/ Fll Sl/ CA DG Sheet No. 9 EO AO 10 AC 

### so 6. D 1.4 1.4 179.2 180.6
7. N 4.4 4.4 8. H 4.5 4.5 9.

### w 0.3 0.3 10.

NG 67.8 67.8 11.

12.

NS 85.0 85.0 13.

DGI 27.8 27.8 OS 14.

TR 15.

AA 16. Total 1.4 1.4 

## xxxxxxxxxxxxxx this Sheet 17. From 245.9 123.1 

## xxxxx 369.0 

## xxxxxxxxx Sheet

No. 9 18. Total 247.3 123.1 

### XXXXX X 370.4 19. Combat 269.8 269.8 20.lmminent Danqer DA FORM 759-1 

## UNCLASSIFIED SED V2.00INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE- ARMY For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7. AIRCRAFT CLOSEOUT SUMMARY 1. Sheet No. 10 2. Name I 3. Rank 4. Period 5. AcfVFit Sim Gilbertson, Brian P. CW2 I Sep 15

- AH-64D(FS) FLYING DUTY SYMBOL k. I. m. FLIGHT COND a. b. C. d. e. f. g. h. L j. Total From SYM CP/ PI! PC/ UT/ IP/ IE/ SP/ MP/ ME/ XP This Sheet Total CE/ OR/ PO MO FE/ Fl/ Sl/ CA DG Sheet No. 9 EO AO 10 AC 

### so 6. D 14.2 14.2 418.5 432.7
7. N 7.9 7.9
8. H 8.2 8.2
9. 

### w 10.

NG 84.0 84.0
11.

12.

NS 319.7 319.7
13.

DG/ 3.0 3.0 OS 14.

TR 15.

AA

. 16. Total 14.2 14.2 XXXXJI 

## xxxxxxxxx this Sheet 17. From 3.7 790.9 46.7

### ~xxxx 841.3 

## xxxxxxxxx Sheet

No. 9 18. Total 3.7 805.1 46.7 

## xxxxxXXXXX 855.5
19. Combat 636.9 636.9
20.lmminent Danger 1 DA FORM 759-1 SED V2.00 

## UNCLASSIFIEDINDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATE- ARMY For use of this form, see AR 95-1, AR 95-23, and FM 3-04.300; the proponent agency is DCS, G-3/5/7. AIRCRAFT CLOSEOUT SUMMARY 1. Sheet No. 10 2. Name I 3. Rank 4. Period 5. AcWFit Sim Gilbertson, Brian P. CW2 I Sep 15

- 2B64D(BS) FLIGHT FLYING DUTY SYMBOL k. I. m. COND a. b. C. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. Total From SYM CP/ PI/ PC/ UTi IP/ IE/ SP/ MP/ ME/ XP This Sheet Total CE/ OR/ PO MO FE/ Fl/ Sl/ CA DG Sheet No. EO AO 10 AC 

### so 6. D 2.5 2.5 2.5
7. N 8. H 9. 

### w 3.0 3.0 3.0 10.

NG 11.

12.

NS 13.

DG/ DS 14.

TR 15.

AA 16. Total 5.5 5.5 

## xxxxxxxxxxxxxx this Sheet 17. From 

## xxxxx xxxxxxxxx Sheet

No. 18. Total 5.5 

## xxxx; 5.5 19. Combat 20.lmminent Danaer DA FORM 759-1 SED V2.DO 

## UNCLASSIFIEDTHIS CARD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY**/\1~** ILLINOIS DRI\/E,'1S LICENSE. ILLINOIS DRIVERS LICENSE HUIVIBER:**ff~k'ii.ilf:iWC i'Y~~~**