Petition for exemptions to UAS specific rules:

 1) Steven R Mitchell ( DOB: 11/03/1961, SS#067-56-0316 )

eMedia Films – Lake Tahoe

Po Box 3250, 

Olympic Valley, Ca 96146

Ph: 530-448-6105

emediamitchell@yahoo.com

2)Seeking exemptions to Sections 45.23(b), 61.113(a) and (b), 91.7(a), 91.9(b)(2), 91.103(b), 91.109, 

91.119, 91.121, 91.151(a), 91.203(a) and (b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and 

(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The proposed exemption would allow Mitchell 

and eMedia films the right to operate the DJI PHANTOM 2 quad-copter unmanned aircraft system 

(Micro UAS: 1000g – 2.2lb ) & The DJI Inspire 1 ( 2935g – 6.47lb ) to conduct aerial photography and 

cinematography over private property with prior permission and restricted access by non-participants. 

The general geographic area of operations would be Truckee, Ca, Lake Tahoe and Reno, but would on 

occasions include other regions. 

3)This petition is based on the precedent set by the Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0481, Exemption 

No. 11138 Douglas Trudeau issued January 5th, 2015. 

4)Further more I seek an exemption for the requirement ( Conditions & Limitations 14, Exemption No. 

11138 ) to have a private pilots license in order to operate the UAS. As part of this request I will 

provide all necessary documents and procedures to met the security screening requirements of the 

Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, I will provide a third-class medical certificate, or 

equivalent. The basis for this request is that the requirements of a manned-flight private pilots license 

does not facilitate safe knowledgeable operations of a UAS specific flight. 

5)The requested exemptions will allow myself personally, and my company to provide aerial 

photography & cinematography for commercial clients while meeting necessary safe operating 

parameters and regulations defined by the FAA & other local and regional agencies.

6)My qualifications & track record as UAS Operator: Flying UAS since May 2013. Over 450 

documented flights, and approximately 65 flight-hours. Utilizing Phantom 1 & Phantom 2 Models. ( 

under 3 lbs ) I have experienced emergency landings, however my record includes: No significant 

crashes, no injuries to persons or damage to personal property. Furthermore I have worked as 

cinematographer filming for over twenty years and have filmed on many occasions from both manned 

Helicopters, and fixed wing vessels, 

7) I have attached below: my personal Pre-flight tech and safety check list, as well as the Rules of 

flight I observe while operating my Micro UAS. I will comply with any additions the FAA might have 

for Pre-Flight, and Flight Rules.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Steven R Mitchell

Producer / Director / Aerial Specialist

eMedia Films
Steve Mitchell – eMedia Films

UAS PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST & PROCEDURES:

Inspect rotors for shape, and cracks, any signs of loss of integrity.

Inspect / Attach rotors – check rotation direction and nut tension.

Inspect overall vessel for signs of damage and loose connections.

Inspection of motors for smooth balanced, quiet operation - free of debris.

Check battery – at a minimum of 95% of charge.

Check battery – for clean connections & free of defects, swelling, etc

Define flight plan, take off & objectives & LZ.

 Check flight plan against designated “No Fly Zone” ie: proximity to Airports, Military, etc.

Check wind and weather – look for signs of unusual wind at higher elevations.

Confirm the designated flying area and confirm with all personnel.

Confirm flying area is clear of all restricted air space requirements.

Confirm your VO, LOS range and verbal communications to be used.

Check for aerial obstructions – utility wires, etc.

Check all external connections: fpv, etc for tightness.

Check all external devices are attached securely: gimbal, camera, fpv tx, etc, and each

has a safety: ziptie, etc, incase a device comes loose it does not separate from the vessel.

Check camera lens is clean.

Check camera setting are correct.

Check all control switches are in proper start up position.

Clear and reset flight clock to zero.

Check take off area is clear of objects and persons for 10 ft radius.

Announce “Stand Clear – We're Powering Up Now! “

Spin up rotors – listen for any unusual sounds in the system.

Allow the system to complete it's full start up procedure.

Confirm that the system status is flight-ready.

Confirm GPS status, and number of satellites.

Check that battery still indicates operational status at 95% or better

Start flight-clock.

Lift off and hover at 4 feet.

Check all status lights on the UV and Controller.

Check that hover is stable. ( not drifting or erratic )

Check that camera and fpv is operational.

Check that all control commands are responsive.

Set current home location for Lost Link: “Return to Home”

Confirm VO readiness, and proceed with the flight plan.
Flight Rules:

Receive Permissions to fly over specific private property.

Maintain LOS at all times.

Have a VO at all times.

Conduct flight only during daylight hours.

Maintain a minimum clearance of 10’ off the deck.

Not to exceed a flying height 400’ above ground.

Maintain 30’ of clearance of all objects and obstacles.

Perform an emergency landing if the situation becomes unsafe.

Perform and emergency landing if the vessel shows any unstable characteristics.

Return to ground with 25% battery life in reserve.