U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Aviation Administration 

800 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20591 

Brian P. Gilbertson 

11 0 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: Exemption Request Pursuant to Section 333 ofthe FAA Reform Act and Part 11 ofthe 

Federal Aviation Regulations from: 14 CFR 21 subpart H 

14 CFR 45.23(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 CFR 91.151(a) 

14 CFR 91.203 (a) and (b) 

14 CFR 91.405 (a) 

14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1) 

14 CFR 91.409 (a)(l) and (2) 

14 CFR 91.417(a) and (b) 

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 (the "Reform Act") 

and 14 CFR Part 11, Brian P. Gilbertson (owner of U.S. Drone Service) operator of Unmanned 

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 petition is 

similar in all 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 

of designated UAS, provided such operations are conducted within and under the conditions 

outlined herein or as may be established by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

Commercial operation of an UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with camera(s) and 

sensors, would provide professional services in the following areas: 
1. Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate, 

architecture, land surveying, engineering and other related professional activities. 

2. Aerial video and/or photography for public and/or private use including television, public 

events, cinematography and newsgathering. 

3. Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial structures under contract with the 

owners or local government authority. 

4. Aerial inspection/photography of residential/commercial utility infrastructure including but 

not limited to electrical power lines, wind turbines and cell towers. 

5. Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue 

operations in cases of an emergency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or 

government has requested it by contract or donation. 

6. Training to persons individually or belonging to both private 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 would permit the operation of designated 

UAS as set forth in this document under controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) 

limited b) controlled c) predetermined and d) safe. Approval of this exemption would increase 

public awareness ofUAS operations and enhance safety to aid in fulfilling the Secretary of 

Transportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to " .... establish requirements for the 

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

I also plan to operate a UAS, the DJI Inspire 1 which is comprised of an unmanned 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 of about 6.5 pounds. It is equipped with four rotors that are driven by 

electric motors powered by batteries. The U A has a maximum airspeed of 22 m/s. 

Also, given the small size of the UAS's involved and the restricted controlled environment 

within which they will operate, the applicant fits within that zone of safety (an equivalent level 

of safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial 

operations ofUASs to commence inunediately. Also due to the size of the UASs and the 

controlled areas in which the relevant U ASs will operate, approval of the application presents no 

national security issue. Given the following, the grant of the requested exemptions is clearly in 

the public interest with being able to provide and insure a greater safety level by providing aerial 

survey and photography services without putting human life at risk. By using the Inspire 1 Pro to 

conduct these services, the loss of human life due to aircraft engine failure or malfunction is 

removed. This creates a service that is lower risk then previous aerial survey and photography 

options. 

Brian P. Gilbertson proposes that the exemption requested herein apply to civil aircraft that have 

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

for an exceptional level of safety to operations. These limitations and conditions to which Brian 

P. Gilbertson agrees to be bound when conducting commercial operations under an FAA issued 

exemption 

including: 

l. The UAS will weigh less than 55lbs. 
2. The Pilot in Command, Brian P. 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 of sight of operator. 

4. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. 

5. Flights will be terminated at 15% battery power reserve. 

6. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL 

7. UAS operator will be trained and certified in the proper safety and operations of the 

UAS. 

8. The UAS will only operate within a controlled area as defined in the Procedures. 

9. The operator will post advisor notice around the controlled area and advise Local Flight 

Service Stations of time period and location use to update notices to airmen. 

10. The operator will have been trained in operation ofUAS generally and received up-to· 

date information on the particular UAS to be operated as required. 

11. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS will have capability to 

return to a pre-determined location within the Security Perimeter 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 and military (DD759) pilot certificate as well as an FAA 

airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license. 

14. 12 U.S. Drone Service will ensure prior to operation that the 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, Brian P. Gilbertson, is a decorated combat veteran of the AH-64D Apache, with 

1000 (1500 Total hours) combat hours logged. Brian P. Gilbertson has a thorough 

knowledge of working with local Air Traffic Control and a firm understanding of air 

space and aircraft flight procedures. The ability to bring this experience will offer an 

added measure of safety when operating the un manned aircraft. 

Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested exemption for 

··-·~~~i~an· -Q . .)...·~.J...'·------­ ~-~Brian . 'lbe~.;?/ -- ~<~~--

Owner/Operator 

U.S. Drone Service 

110 Sagebrush DR 

Enterprise, AL 36330 

(334) 389-7260 
and are prepared to modifY or amend any part of this request to satisfY the need for an equivalent 

level of safety. We look forward to working with your office. Please contact us at any time if 

additional information or clarifications are needed. 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at either 

DJ:HiUJ).g;,jlJ"l1iWl.ill!.l{i£.ITl.~\Uoml1 or (3 34 )3 89-7260 cell. 

Sincerely, 

Brian P. Gilbertson 

Instructor Pilot AH-64D Apache 

Owner/Operator 

U.S. Drone Service 
Ill. 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 been found to be properly qualified and I$ hereby aulilor!Zed ln aecordanl!e Willi the ~ondltlom; of (ssUIIII<:e on the 

roverse of this 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 to the approval of the Federal Aviation 

Administration pending the issuance of a certificate of greater duration. It becomes void--

1. Upon the receipt of a certificate of greater duration to replace it; 

2. Upon a finding by the FAA that an error has been made in its issuance; 

3. Upon a finding by the FAA that It was issued illegally or as the result of fraud or misrepresentation: 

4. Upon the refusal or failure by the holder to accomplish a flight check by a Flight 

Standards Inspector If so requested; and 

5. In any case, at the 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. 

A eft 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 I 9.0 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. DMOS 

152H 

I. m. 

MP/ ME/ 

CA DG 

n. 

XP 

Page 1 of 3 SED V2.00 
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. 

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. DMOS 

152H 

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 V2.00 
INDIVIDUAL 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 A eft 16. RL 17. Std Fit Eval 

PART IV. REMARKS 

l. Records closed 31 Dec 89 due to completion of AH-640 INSTRUCTOR PILOT MOL 

2. Aviator has completed 95757 months of total 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 \/2.00 
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. 

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 xxxxx xxxxxxxxx this 

Sheet 

17. 

From 245.9 123.1 xxxxx 369.0 xxxxxxxxx Sheet 

No. 9 

18. 

Total 247.3 123.1 XXX XX X 370.4 

19. 

Combat 269.8 269.8 

20. 

lmminent 

Danqer 

DA FORM 759-1 

UNCLASSIFIED 

SED V2.00 
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. 

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 xxxxx XX XXX 855.5 

19. 

Combat 636.9 636.9 

20. 

lmminent 

Danger 1 

DA FORM 759-1 SED V2.00 

UNCLASSIFIED 
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. 

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 xxxxx xxxxxxxxx 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 

UNCLASSIFIED 

THIS CARD MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY /\1~ 

ILLINOIS DRI\/E,'1S LICENSE. 

ILLINOIS DRIVERS LICENSE HUIVIBER: 

ff~k'ii.ilf:iWC i'Y~~~