LJNITEDSTAJ1ES OF AMERICA 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

l. . • ,-; ' ~. '-

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

WASHINGTQN, D,, 

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR EXEMPTION OF: 

KCSI Aerial Patrol 

FOR AN EXEMPTION SEEKING RELIEF FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF 

TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

SECTIONS 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a) (1}, 

91.409(a) (1) & (a) (2), AND 91.417(a) & (b) CONCERNING COMMERCIAL 

OPERATION OF DJI PHANTOM 2 + GoPro Hero 4 Camera 

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 OF 

THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 

(PUBLIC LAW 112-95) 

Submitted on 5-8-2015 

KCSI Aerial Patrol 

410 E. Planz 

Bakersfield CA, 93311 

661-834-6870 

FAA Airman Certificate# See KCSI UAS Operation Manual 
GLOSSARY OF:ABBR£VIATIONS 

AGL Above Ground Level. ·.· . . I 

j,' · •. .'·' 

AOI Area of Interest • ··• - _:. : , •• ~ ·, • 1 

_;.) 

',i ·:'i .l, .• :,·. 

ATO Air Traffic Organizationc'' · , , _, ~-'• ' ,. ' I ' :f: .•• 

AV Aerial Vehicle 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations \. ', ~ 't. ", .. 

COA Certificate of Authorization 

FAA_ Federal Aviation Administration . , __ .. ,-- .. 

FAR Federal Aviation Regulation 

I ' 

GCS Grourid Control Station 

GPS Global Positioning System 

LOL Loss of Link 

NAS National Airspace System 

NOT AM Notice to Airman 

PIC Pilot In Command 

Section 333 FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333 

SO Safety Observer 

SOP Standard Operating Procedures 

UA Unmanned Aircraft 

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System 

VFR Visual Flight Rules 

VLOS Visual Line of Site 

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions 

VTOL Vertical Takeoff and Landing 
KCSI Aerial patrol seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R. §§ 61.113(a)& (b), 91J(a); 

91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an 

Unmanned Aircraft System pursuant to Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and R~fo'rrri A'ct of 2(h;;f/' 

(FMRA). This exemption will permit KCSI Aerial Patrol to operate an Unmanned Air~raft System (UAS).~.r 

the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of Oil Field sites, Construction sites 

and any controlled job not over any persons directly involved in the operation! · •· ·: 

' ' . . ~ \ 

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER 

KCSI Aerial Patrol is a professional aviation company specializing in surveillance of oil.aiid.gas pipeline ·.· 

rigt-of-ways and production fields. The company was formed in 1994. As a growing business KCSI has 

always been in good standing with the FAA and holds higher requirements o:n staffand aircraft 

maintenance. All KCSI's pilot and potential UAS operators will have at least a commercial pilots 

certificate and a minimum of 1500 PIC flight hours with at least 25 hours of UAS flight time. 

• Oil Field site inspection 

• Construction sites before and after 

• Real-estate marketing 

• Motion Picture Filming 

• Aerial acquisitions used for inspections of public and private structures. 

• Search and Rescue operations 

l. ' 

i 
··, BACKGROUND 

"! •.I. ..,;_ 

'·, ::·~<;, ;~:::·,,\, '/( ,•: :, . <~·:;·:.._.. ·· ~• ,;':-t • • ,,. '•: i ·,,I, \" ~ 

, Unmanr:J~p,_AJ,n:rff1,?cyst~m~:.D.~!-.RI;J~n tor,n).·+. ~9 P,r() Hero ca01~ra •. 

_o': ,. ____ ·' -~ • __ , '._..., ~ ::·~-:_ .. _--:·._. ~.:-.:~~~-::·. :-r,_!·:·: -~:-.:; -: _;_--_ ... .:·~~-- _ l ~:.·· ', 1 \ _ ,_ •• 

KCSI Aerial Patrol seeks an exemption to ope'rate DJI systems for compensation or hire within the NAS. 

The DJI Phantom 2 is a vertical tak~~f:f aod Iandi~~ (VTOL) Unman~~<;! Aircraft (UA) WHh a Grou(ld 

Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet er;sma{t phQne ~yst~ms., The DJI Phantom 2 ha.s. a · 

maximum gross weight•of approximaiely.2.'pow;ndsi m:ouhces, whHe1having a-length of 16, inches width 

of 16.ihches, height of8 inches,~and a maxlth'um'speed of app'roximately 29 knots. The DJi Phantom 2 

UAS is equip'pedwith four main rotors; driven by lithiumPdlymerbattery pow(hed :electric motors. The 

DJI Phantom 2 UAS that wiil be operated by KCSi A~rial Pat~ol Pllots and will be ·re·gi~tered inaccord~nce 

with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft, as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Reg\strati~n; and 

marked in accordance ~ith .14 C.F.R Pa.rt 45, ld~ntitic~tion .and R~gistration Marking. , 

',-· 

BASIS FOR PETITiON 

Petitioner, KCSI Aerial Patrol, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F.R. § 

11.61) and the FAA Mb.dernization' ~nd'Reform Act'of 2012 (FMRA).; Se2tio~ 33'3, Speciai:R_ules for . 

Certain Unma~ne'd Aircraft. Systems~ ber~by Petition~ to commercially operate-the ()JI Phantom Z UAS in ' . • ,· . ' • l,_ ' ' ' •. 

the Nationai,Airspace System (1\!AS), and for an exernptio¥'1 from, the requirem~nts of 14 C.F,R §§ 

61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 9L121,·91'.151(b); 91:405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(l) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) 

&(b). ,,. 

In consideration of the speed, weight, size; and limited operating .area assoCiated with the·air:craft and 

its operation, KCSI Aerial Patrol operation of DJI Phantom 2 UAS meets the conditions ofFMRA Section 

333 and therefore, will not require airworthiness Certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, 

Subpart H. ··· } y .. ', . c :. : ' • 

Accordingly, KCSI Aerial Patrol requests relief from Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & 

(a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), as these sections set forth requirements for maintenance that 'aniy apply to 

aircraft with an airworthiness certificate. 

KCSI Aerial Patrol submits that the requested relief is proper since ah equivalent level 

of safety will be ensured. KCSI Aerial Patrol will use experienced personnel or 

technicians to perform maintena'n'ce, alter~tibns, or prev~ritive' rtlaintenance··o~ the' UAS's . 

using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., -

Monthly Maintenance Log, and bkPh~ntom i'lnsttliction Mariua.f). Furthermor-e'/ K'c:SIA~~iai''~atrol will 

document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 UAS. · · · .,, · · ' ~ . . .. , .. ' 

Relief from certain requirements of Section '61.113(a) and (b); entitled Private' pilot ,. • ' ~ • - • ' \ > ' •' - ' ' 

' ) 
privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is;'req'l:Jested by KCSI Aerial Patrol to the 

extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level 

certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting 

minimum flight- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 2 UAS in a manner con~ist?ent\..VithtHi~:~xe.rhptiori;'i'n;dl.fctfrig"'e\ia~1ve'arMemergency 

maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances froiT! people, vessels, vehicles and structures. . " . . . •.. ... . . . - • ~ . t" . . ' "• ": ' ': ., •. . ,. ... • • •. • . • ~- ·:·· ' . • !' • • • • 

·:. 

KCSI Aedal Patrol seeks relie'ffrorri Section 91.7(a); entitled CiVil airi::h3ft' ,.· .. • ' . . ' I •• 

,, 

airworthiness, 'because·.fhe·DJI Phantom l.JAS ao· not reqcr-ire.:~: t.! :; ·-,-. :<_,)", ';:· ' .. · ;_j:j . . ~ "7 ;,. : ~~- ~:·,_. '·.' : .. f ;:.,.: .,: .• ! :· r: ... ) 

an airworthiness certificate. in (lcwordaricewith·14 C:Fi.ILP.art7!,.Subpart H:,As.such,·: ., · : · .... " 

KCSI Aerial Patrol submits tnatwe will ~nsurethat the DJI Pharatom 2 UAS is in an airwor:thy condition, . 

prior to ev~rv flight, by determining thatth~.,U·A~-is. in com,plia~~e ~ith .the. ~perating docum~n.ts (i.e:, 

Monthly Maintenan~e Log, and DJI P,hantqm 2 Instruction Manyal),· ;;md that the aircraft are in a · 

condition for safe flight. \. · " · · · '· · · · . ' ·) . 

KCSI Aerial Patrol also seeks an exemption from the requirements·of Section 91.121, ' 

entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter 

onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will be provided to the PIC via Global 

Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, which 

downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active'·monitoring of the'flight path. This altitude 

information, combined with KCSI Aerial Patrol's operation ofthe DJI Phantom 2 UAS within visual line of 

sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. 

Additionally, KCSI Aerial Patrol seeks an exemptionf~om the requ'irements of Sectio.n , . . ' 

91.151(b), entftled Fuel.requiremen'fs for flight in VFR co.ndltions·.· KCSI Aerial 'Patrbl submits that safety 

will not be affec:ted by oper~tion ofthe DJI Phantom i UAS duririg daylight hours 'in viscial' ·' 

meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual fllght'rules (VFR), with enough battery powerto fly for a· 

total duration of approximately 13.5 minutes to the fiistpoint 6f intended landing and; assuming riormal 

cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. 

In accordance with 14CF.R, §. 11.81, KCSI Aerial Patrol provides the following iAformation·in support of 

its petitionfor.exemption: , 

·• ' ' 

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner. 

The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: 

Randy Cox 

KCSI Aerial Patrol,, 

410 E. Planz 

Bakersfield CA, 93307 

661-834-6870 Email: randy@k~siaerialpatrol.com . 

. • 'I' .f ; 

B. The Specific Section~ Of 14 C.F.R. From Which KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks . ' . . . . ~ ' . . .. ' 

Exemption. 

1. KCSI Aerial p'~trol See~s .E~emptic;m From The Re~uirements Of Sectiqn 

61.113(a) And (b). t • • ' ·- ' .. ' 

Section 61.113, entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, 

subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the. following, in, rel.evant Pilrt: , . 

(a) No person who holds a pri~at·e pilot certificate may act as a piiot in command , . 

· ... , .,, 
(PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for. compensation or -. . 

hire; nor may that "j:>erson, for compensat:ion·or·hire, act as I?.IC of an aircraft .. 

(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in '· · 

connection with any business or employment if-

(1) T;he'fl;ight:~s.·onh}'rncideotai tOithat~ousiile,ss:or~emp·loyh'lerlt;·.and-. .,;• ;;_. · · -.r:·:. ,,,.,, · · 

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. -~ ~ ~·' '· 

2. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemption ·f:rom The Requirements Of Sectipn 91;7(a). 

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airW:erthiness,subse·ctio.n (a);:states.the· · 

following: · .... ,-; :,,•,-,,,;,c_ :;,_·~>:-' ;:.; 1 '';:,:-···o-··, __ c-.c~.: :·. ,:· .. ··_,.;.:··; --· 

(a) No person may operate advil aircraft unless· it is .in an-airworthy condition: ·· -

3. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks- Exemption From The:,Requiremerits Of Section . 

91.121. 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in 

part' · .. · '-

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude oF:flight 

level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, 

when operating-

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to-

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route·and 

withJn tlOO-nautical miles of the aircraft; 

(ii) If there is no. station within the-area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i;)' of 

., 

., 

!'·' 

this section; the 'current reported altimeter: setting of an appropriate. , ··-

available station; or · · ·· 

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation ofthe 

departure airport or amapproprrate altimeter setting available before 

departure. , -

.. ~ . ' . ' ~ ' 

4. KCSI Aerial Patrol· Seeks Exemption from The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b). 

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection - : 

(b), states the following: · · 

(b) No person may-begin Clj flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conclitions unless . 

(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to· 

the first point.of intended Jancjing·and;- assuming·normal cruising speed, to ·fly . 

after that for at least 20 minutes. 

··~·· :. 

5. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 9L405(a). 

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required; subsection (a), states the fotlowing: -. 

Each owner or operator of an aircraft,.,.. - -

(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed: in subpart E ofthis part a·nd shall 

between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) ofthis section;_ · 

have discrepancres repaired as prescribed in part43 of this chapter[-.] : 

I . -'~ 

6. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 911407(.a)(l) ·. 

Section 91.407, entitled Operation aftermaintenan.ce, preventivemaintenam:e,-, 

rebuilding, or alteration, subsection:{a)(lh• s~atesth'e following: 

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless-( , .. · ·! .. ; • · :, . 

(1) It has been approved for return:to• service by·-a person authorized under§ 43] 

'\ of this chapter[.] · - ·' '"' · ·' · .. 1 

) 

7. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemptiorr·From·lhe!Re:quir.ementsGf Sectjons.9:L409(a)(!LJ Ana , ' 

91.409(a)(2). · ·, :. , .. , ·. · · "' , .. ··.~· .. -,· .. :- '" • , .. · , .. ~ •.. ,., .... , 

Section 91.409, entitled Inspections, subsection (a), states the following: 

(a) Except as provided in p·aragraph (€) of thtsseotiorvno~personmay: operate. an~-~· ·

1 • •.• , •••. , ,,_,; ,·; ~- :2.~- '• :, 

aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 caleildar months,•it:has had.;; · . :,, ~ ··1:E ;,·, • • :: .,, :• .. ···:, :, • :~: · c • ,.,; 

(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 ofthis chapter and has been ;rr ·'i'. ' ··:.; 

approved for retumto'sernice by a .person author:ized.by §.43;7 of-this·.·- ., 

chapter; or 

(2) An inspection for the issuariCe<afan airworthimess certificate, in accordance 

with part 21 of this chapter. 

1'. 

..... ~ . . , 

8. KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b) •. 

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (bJ, state the 

following: 

(a) Except for work performed in accordance with§§ 91.411 and 91.413, each 

registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods,: .. 

specified in paragraph (b) ofthis section: "• · 

(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and· . 

records of the 100-hour, annual, -progressive, and other required or ·approved 

inspections, as appropriate, for. each aircraft·(including. the airframe) •and each 

engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must ·· ., · ·" 

include- · · · •.' 

(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the-Adminrstrator) of the 

work performed; and 

(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and 

(iii) The signature,,and certificate number of the person a·pprovingthe aircraft 

for return to service .. :. · ·, · , ·., 

(2) Records containing the following information: 

(i) The total time in service-of the' airframe, each. engine; each propeller, and .. -

each rotor. '' ' ·· ·- , ' ... 

(ii) The current status·oflifec.limited part.~ of each airframe, engine,: propeller, 

rotor, and appliance. 

(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which 

are required to bebv.erhauled'on a specified.time basis .. · " " ,, 

(iv) The current inspection .status ofthe aircraft,. including the time since the· 

last inspection required by the inspection program under which the . ··.' 

aircraft and ·its appliances are maintained:· · 

(v) The current status of.appJicable airworthiness:directives (AD) and safety 

directives including, for each, the method ofcompliance,1the AD orsafety··,, 

directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves 

recurring action, the'time and date .when· the riextaction·is req[Jired, • ·. ·· :. .. -:: 

(vi) Copies of the forms. prescribed by§ 43.9(d) of: this chapter for.each major 

alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, ' ·. ~ _ ' 

propellers, and appliances.' ·. '· . .. · · 

~' { 

,, 

-~' 
(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods 

prescribed: _,, ,. r:.c·.. . .... , 

(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) ofthis section shall be retained until 

the work is repeated p;;:superseded. by pther:wo.r:k .or: for Lyear after the work · 

is-perfo.rme.d .... _., .. · ... :,: , "'•·-·,: "'.,.c~"'':.; ·,.·,:;:::··~··,;:;o s -,-,:i''''' ··. .. , 

(2) The.xecords. specified in paragraph (a}(2)toJ,this sec:.tioo shall-.be retained and , 

transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft· is so.kh : · ·· <" ••.. 

(3) A Jist of defects:furni.shed .to·a. registered owner.or operator un.de.r §:43.11 of 

this chap ten sha,l! be retained·until,the defects-are.' re.paired1ahd the,aircraftjs · ... 

approved for returnt<).·servke•;;·;.J~··l·) ._,,r._,,_;;,;<,, t:L· 1 ,~-- ,,, ... ::.:>''··· · , .. · ' 

·. , ... : 

C. The Extent of Relief KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks-And The Reason KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks.The·Relief. 

1. Extent Of Relief KCSI Aerial Patroi.Seeks And The. Reason KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Relief From 

Section 61.U3(a) And (,b). 

Relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: 

Pilot in command, is requested to the extent nece,ss.ary to aiJow- a PIC holding a private 

pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medical certificate, 

and who has met certain flight-hour and currency requirements, to:conductthe proposed- ; 

UAS flight operations for compensation or hire. . .. 

This relief is requested since the limitations set forth.in Section 61.113(a) and (b) state tbat ' 

a private pilot may, for compensation.or hire, a~;:t asPIC of an aircraft in connection with 

any_bu,srnessor employment if: (1) The ff,ight is only incidental to that business or 

employment; and (2}T~e,aircraft.does not carry. passengers or property for compensation 

or hire. 

As set forth-more fully-below, KCSI Aeriai.P.atrol suqmitsthat an eq.uivalentlevel of 

safety will be maintained because no. PJC will;be aUowed to,operate.theOJI Phantom 2 \ 

UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight~hour and currency re_quirements, demonstrating-that the PIC 

is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 UAS.in a manner consistent with the operations 

specifications a.s described in this exemption, inc:luding ev;;~sive and emergency rnane.uvers,·as well as 

maintaining appropriate distances frorn :People, vessels, vehicles and structures. , 

Further, Aeri:al Patrol submits that all flights of the DJI-Phantom 2.UAS, c.onducted by the PIC pursuant 

to the grant af thi.s Petition: .· . ·1 

(1) Will be incidental to KCSI Aerial Patrol business; and 

(2) Will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. 

2. Extent Of Rel-ief KCSI"Aerial Patrol Seeks And. The Reason-KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks-:ReliefFrom 

Section 91.7(a). -~ ·· . , 

Relief frorn Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, is requested to the extent , • I ' ' - ' ' • • ,• , '•' .. 

required to allow KCSI Aerial Patrol to determine that the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are in ~:Jirworthy condition 

prior to every flight by e.nsuring that th'~ UAS is in compliance with the 'operating documents (i.e.,· the . - ~ . . ... i • 

KCSI Aerial Patrol Operations Manual, Monthiy Maintenance Log, <lnd DJI Phantom 2 l'nstruction 

Manual}. . . , . . .. . '"' . . 

KCSI Aerial Patrol se'eks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 1. UAS do nofreq'uire an 

airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R: Part 2i, Subpart H~-TherefOre: KCSI'Aerial Patrol 

will ensure tha't-the'DJIPhantcim 2 Utx$ eire in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the 

operating documents· (i.e.;· Monthly Maintenance log, and D11 Phantom 2 lnstructionManual) prior to 

every flight, and furth·er; determine. that the. aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the 

conditiqns and lirnitatio.ns bel<:>w. . . . 
) 

_) 

••.•• l • i . . . ~ > 

3. Extent Of Relief KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks And The Reason KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Relief From • 

Section 91.121. 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altiirletersettings, may.be·req~:,~i:red•to«iltow.Jiight ·, · · ~~~-· ·· 

operations of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipme·nt, ar.rd .a' 

radio communications telemetry dena lin'k to·'downl-inkaltitud~· irlformationJrom the UA to the PtCat' 

the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requirE!s. that any altitude information coneerning U;l\S . ;: 

operations be reported to air traffic·control ('ATC) :in. feet alilove grou'[Jd level tAGt), i<CSt. Aerial Patrol 

seeks the requested relief because the DJI'Phabtom.2 UA's aJtinteter'may.be:sen>nthe gro'und.·td·z'ero· 

feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before'each flight> · ' ,,.. : : ··· ··· 

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is 

soughHcHhe··extent ne!!:e'ssary to comply with the· applicable tond1tiohs a'nd limitations· . 

stated below. As r:riore·full~ set forth hereiri; an equivalent levei of-safety witl•be: ;', ' 

maintained since the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS 

equipment, which automatically ensures·that a ground level pressure setting will be established.prior to 

each flight, and provides the PIC with'altitude information ofthe-UA on the h·eads-up dis·play oftl:te GCS. 

L 

4. Extent Of Relief KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks And·The Reason KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Relief From•' 

Section 91.151(b). .. 

Relief from Sec::tion 91.151(bl entitled Fuel requirements for flight in' VFR e:dnditions, is. 

requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 · · 

UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), ·under visual flight rules (VFR), for· a 

total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first po·int oJ intended landing and, assuming normal cruising · 

speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. KCSI Aerial Patrol seeks the requested relief because 

without an exemption from Section 91.15l(b), the flight time duration:ofthe"battery'powered DJI· · · 

Phantom 2 UAS will severely constrain· the practicality bf any:aerial video or still photo flight operations 

that KCSI Aerial P·atrol proposes to conduct pursuantto this Petition. . . 

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical speeifications.of the DJI Phantom 2 VAS operating 

documents, and KCSI Aerial Patr"ol's proposed operating limitatio·n·s, ensure that KCSI·Aerial Patrol will ,. 

safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 UAS~cluting daylight hours in visual meteorological 

conditions (VMC),· under visual flight rules (VFR),with enough battery p>ower to fly for a .total d uratioh of 

13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that 

for at least 4.5 minutes. 

. .,, ' . 

5. Extent Gf:ReliefiKCSI AerialrPatroi·Seeks·AndThe Reason KCSLAeriai.Patrol Seeks Relieffrom,··· 

Sections 91.40S(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b). Since Sections 9'1.40Sfat 

91.407(a)(1), 91.4b9(a)(:i) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only ap.pfy to aircraffwith an airworthiness 

certificate; KCSI Aerial Pat,rol requests. relief from these·sec~ionsbecausethe bJI_Phantom 2 UA$ db not 

require airwor~hiness c~rtifiCates. As set forth more fully below, the I ·, '• 

• < • - ·' ' • • !" ' ~ • ·., : •• J. ( > 

DJI Phantom 2 UAS meet the condjtions ofFMRA Section 33;3 for operation without an airworthi.ness. • • ) ' .r ~ •• ,. • '. ' .. ;1· . '· . ~ i . ; 

certificate .. Accordlrigly, KCSI Aerial Patrol wiiLuse trained technicians to perform' maintenance, ~ . · . -:· . ~ " ' · · _ .'. •. : • .: ; ' •- . · I 1 • 

alterations, or preven~ive mainten_ance on the UASs using the g1ethods, techniques, and pra\=tice~ . 

prescribed in. the UAS operC!ting··doQuments (i'.e,,.the KCSI Aerial· Patrol Operations Manual, Monthly · . · 

Maintenance log; and DJJ,Phantom'2 Instruction Manual}: Furthermbre, KCSI Aerial Patrol will· , - ........ . 

document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 UAS. D.'The:Reas'ons Why · 
Granting K~SI Aerial Patrol Request Wou.ld.Be··ln The Pubnc Interest; That Is, HowJtWould. Benefit The 

Public As A Whole. , -.. ' •; .,.. , ; 

Granting the present~P.etltiOn;WiU futther ttre • .public:igte·r:est;by;altowing:.>KCSI Aerial Patrol to.safely and·-

efficiently perform aerial video and photography inspection of oilfield sites and equipment, construction 

sites, real estate, and landscape over certain areas of the United States where before would create a 

signifiCant risk tb ·a persbn's·wellbeing. Acidftl6n~liy, use 'of th~ DJI Phan'td~ 2 UAS will decrease ' 

~ong~stioribhh~·NAS; reduce: poliutioil~' an~d prdv'ide sigiiiflcanti:fe'n~fits to'the economy: Notably, the. • ' ~ ; · • . · • t· .,.. .: ., ·•· • o' • ~ •

1 · •· -. ~ ..,....., •"\"• •"· •j• • ,. "' -~ "'· ' ' •" '-' j · : .· '1' · '• : l, . ' · · • •" ' r • • ·, ' j 

behefits of KCSI Ae'tiai.Patrcil'pr6posetl·o~e'rc3ticirf 6fth~· DJI'Phantom '2 UAS will 'be realized without 

implicatinganyprivacy.Issu'es.'"·'·'' :::-·.: ... ": '' c'::-. . ... :. ··· . ' 

_1, I I 

l, • . . ~. 

1. The Public V\(ill Benefit From De~reased Congestionpf The N.AS. . • '• .1 ' • . • • 

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision• uAs are battery powered an'd serve as a' safe, efffcient; and ec~nomiCal 

alternative to· the manned aircraft traditionally utiliiea to obtain aerial imagery: By reducing the amount 

of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions; an exemption allowing the use of a DJI 

Phantom 2 UAS would reduce the amount of m~nned ai~c~aft in the NAS, reduce noise and.'air poilution, 

as well' as increase the safety of life arid 'property in the air and on the ground. Furthermore, by reducing 

the nui-r)ber of manned aircraft ·operafing in the· NAS, congestion around airports caused by atHving and 

departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 2 'l.JAS.do- not req'uire an airport to takeoff or land. 

Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photograRhY missions w~uld result 

in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, 

arrival, and landing phasesofflightoper·aticms. 

, ' ! • ~ l { ~: f 1 • ,l \ • · •' • ,' f 

2. Th~ Public.Wii!_B.~nefit Fro~-~heSC!fety j.\nd Effici~_n.~,v Of The DJI Phant~~.2 UA.S. 

Conducting aerial acquisitions with the·DJI Phantom il.JAs,· instead of man~ed 'irirc'raft, Will greatly 

benefit the public by drastiCally ·reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated during · 

traditional aeriivide6 and still photography flight oper~tions. By using battery power ahd electric 

motors, the DJI Phantom 2 UAS produces no air pollution, and is the most viable environmentally 

conscious alternative to the cabin class, six cylinder internal combustion engine aircraft that are typically 

utilized fo.r aerial video and phc:ltdgraphy,-while· burning a.pproj<imately :20-30 galk>ns per hour .of leaded 

aviation fuel: The DJIPhantom 2 ,UAS, while reducing.the car,bon footprint of,a:er;iaLacquisitians; also·· 

eliminates noise pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered electrit motors, rather than an 

internal combustion engine. By using the DJI Phantom 2 UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the 

sutfstantiai risk to life and property in the a'ir and onthe.·gro'und, whkh'is1Jsaa"lly associated ~ith 

traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or ~ompletely eliminated. 

Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 UAS 

(weighing approximately 2 pounds 11 ounces at its maximum gross weights with lengths of 16 inches 

respectively, widths cf 16.inches· respectively; and· with .no·fueJ.on·board), has less physical potential for 

collateral. damage to life.and property on the ground, and in·the air,:compared to the· manned aircraft 
thaUypicaUy conduct•similar ope·r.ations (we~ighing approximately' 6,000 pounds with a wingspi:m ·of 

approximately 42 feet, a length of34 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons). 

3. Performing Aerial Video and· Photography Operations. With The DJI Phantom'·2'UAS Will Benefit The 

Economy!.·-~; 

. ·.::1·' .... _, . . ' '' .. 'i;- -~ ~:. r' . ' • ~. 

In additiqn,t~. ?~i.ng safe and ef!icien.t, ~h~ DJI. Phaotom 2 UA~}r~ als.o,,an ~.1=onp~i~al ~1Wrn5Jtive to, 

using n:t<!~I'H~d. airc.r.aft to ~onduct simil~r aeri.9J op,er9tiqns,)~~!i-~uc;:ry;qpE}f~t.L<:n·o,ft~1~ ~JI_~~a-~tq~ :2" U,~~-­

will allow Unite.~. $tates pased ~ompq.,ni.es, like,KC~t:A~ri(l! P_Cit~ql,, tq re,m,ain.cq,mpetLtiye ... an,d t;Qrtribqt~, .. I.·.·- : ~ ! .• • 'I ·' ·' . '1-. 1\;';,, . 1 ./ :;-· .'.,! ,•._.":,. :1·~.·-~· ~- _,, ! ... ···;··\ .... ' '·· ·'·- ,,, ,,~ ,, ,,., .. ·! ' I.· 

to growth of the U.S. economy. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuelandth~ ~nvir.:onm~ntal .:: • '} .: ~ ~ •• • . j • • : ·' ' . 

Protection Agency (uEPA") regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and 

operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. 

Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 U~S is one such technology th~t not only allows 

companies greater operational flexibility coritpared'tJ·manned a;l.rcraft, but'provides such flexibility 

without the higp qperational.~ost qf a traditional manned air~raft, By operating the DJI Phantom 2, .UAS,· 

companiessl!ch as KCSI Aerial Patrol,.can remain.competitive.and profitable, and th_e,r.~fore, pro,vipe . ' • ' ) • .. ! • • • -. ., 

greater job stability to. employees and contractors, w_hich will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S .. • . ' ' -· f • • ' • 

economy. Improved financial perform~nce of U.S. ~qmp~nies, through commercial us~ 9f the DJI 

Phantom 2UAS, provides a stable workforse that increases consumer spe~ding; improves locat.state, . 

andJederal.tax revenues; and allows companies to inv~.st ir;t research and development in order to · 1 • •, • • .I ,. , , 

remain competitive both in the United States and abroad . . ~- ·.. . ' ' ' I ,-· . ..:: L . ' .. , 

4. There 'Are No Priva'cy l~sues. .. · ... :.. ! .. ·. 

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that nave·beeQ .conducted, KCSI Aerial Patrol's 

proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI > • ' "' , • • "'" I ,,' \ ~ • ' • /'' ,_ ' < 0 

,., -~ --\ 

0 

•• ' ' ' ·; ~ ~ •. • 

0 

• t " 

Phantom 2 UAS wilt' be operated 'only 1n· cOmplii:lnce with operating'do'cumehts (i.e., the KCSI Aerial 

Patrol p~er~t!ons Manual, Mo~thly,Log, and DJI Phan~<Jm 2 lnstq.Jction Marwal) which re_qu,ires. property 

owner involvement ~s;~ell as local. law enforcement notification~ and i~ accorq«m.ce with the Federal 

Aviation..~~gulatjons, includingthE7JT~inimum altitude requirements of 1~ ~.F.~.§ 91.,119. 

E. The Reasons Wtw·Grantirig-The Exemption WQuld Not Adversely Affett Safety, Or How TheExemption Would :Provide A Level Of Safety AU.east Equal To That Provided By The Rule From Which · 

KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks Exem'ption. :r ,· 

• : 1 ~ "- .• 

1. Rea~ons Why The DJI Phantom 2 UAS Meet The Conditions Of T,h~. FAA ModernizatiQn, a1_1d • - .• 1 •• r· · . · · . , ... · o ·, •. •. • • '· •• . ' •• , 

Reform Act Qf .201? (fiV!RA} 1 .• 

Section 333. · . !-, ·\ ' 

) ... II'.·' 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with· the unmanned 

aircraft and its operation, KCSJ Aerial Patrol's operation of the DJ~Phantom 2 UAS meet :tne conditions' 
ofFMRA Section 333;: and will' not require anairwGrthiness'·aeriificate in accordance With 14 C.F.R. Part 

21, Subpart H. · ., :. .· ·• ·r -.'.- 1:; ~ ··•· •· . •· • · 

Section 333 provides:a·~;~thorityfor:c~:UAS td ope-rate withcrutairworthiness.certification·and sets forth 

requirements forc·.considering whether..a' UAS':w~H:ereateca· hazard. to users·of the NAS or the public; or · 

otherwise pose a threat to national security. Specifically, FMRASection $33 states the foll·owir;1g, in part: 

· .. : · ·~(:a)'1n:.Genera!~+'-Not;vJithstandin-g any-other f.equire:ment•ofdlissl\lbtitle, and·not later uhan 180 

days after the date of enactment of this Act;;stbe'Secretary.ofirarTsj:JGJrtati.Gm-shall determine if 

certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before 

' completion of the plan arid rul:~ma.klng r~'qui:red by se~tion 33'2 of this Act ~r the guidanc~ 

required by sedfoh 334 ofthis A~f ·· ' · ·· '• 

'' '. 

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--ln making the determination undefsubsection 

(a), the ~ecretary shall determine, at~ minimum- ... ,,. .· 

(1) which types of unmanned aircrafusystems, if any; as a result of their size, Weight, 

speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation 

within visual line of sight do not create'a hazartl to users of the ~atio~al airspace system 

or the public or pose a threatto national security; .and 

(2)'whethe.r a certificate of ~aiV~~, certificate of authorization; or airworthiness 

certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is requ·ired for the 

operation _of unmar;med,aircraft systems identified unq~r paragraph (1). . :-• • ~ • • . ., ' '--: . "' • ·•. . . ! ' . ·><' • J ·- ' • 

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--lf the Se.cret~rY det~r~iri~s uhder'this section that certain 

unmanned aircraft systems may o,perate safely .in the, national airspace system, the Secretary I l . ·.· • > • '•.. • • • • •< 

shall establish requirements for the safe operation of su.ch ajrcraft.systems in tl:!e nation,al ' - . . . . . ' . - . . . '· ·~. · .. 

airspace system. 

II) se~kingthis ex.e(Y)ptiol'), KCSI A.e.rial Piitr,ol submits that,the DJI Phantom 2 l:JAS can oper:ate~.safely in .. ,. • ·• . ·, ' ,, '~ • .• ~ ~ I, '"' '• • . : 

the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics ofthe DJI Phantom 2 

UAS~ (b),the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations. 

a. The Specifications Of The DJI Phantom 2 UAS De!llonstrate It~ Safe Characteristics. 

The DJI PhantOIT) 2 UAS _do not create a haz~rd to users:of the N~S or the public, or othe{wise pose a 

threatto nati,onal security co,n~iderjng it~ size, weight( speed, and ?Peration;:!l capability: .. 

i. Technical specifications of The DJI.Phantom 2 UAS. 

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are set forth by the DJI Phantom 2 Specifications 

~rid rii:!ta Sh.eet; attach e'er hereto as App'endlx A.· · · ··• -
~ I 

I 

ii,;ifhe DJI Phantom 2 UAS Autonomous Flight And Navigation Modes Enable The ·uASs 

To Remain Within A Defined Operational Area. 

The DJI Phantom 2 UASmay:be operated in bothmanual anP:fuHy a.utonomous flight modes~ A,: i ·-: : :<.;' 

completede~crrption:ofthe flightand,navigatiOrlalmodesofJhe' DJIPhanto~ 2·UAS·is provided:on the 

UserManuaJt'attachedhere.asAppendiX'B~:r,, . , '"···· :i·;,;~ .· , .. ·· 

iit The DJI Phantom 2 UASI.s Designed FQr Automa~ie Return :To-Home Point,Or,:Hover-ln The 

Event.OU.oss Of!The Contriol.link Or·Navigatfol'l.;. :' -;,:, :r:·,;y·; L·'J·~- ~'' .l'i:.':, ·,.-..... c.· •. :\ :-. 

• :··~-·<" ,:;··~,_ t •' '. : ; :~:_;:·.,. I,__- .. ~ •' {1'1, I'<>~":·;··.;·(-:·~·~,-.~.-.:;, ';·.-,tif;'J. ,·; r t,.,"' • 

When t_he c;o~trol Link is I(JSt,. th,e DJI Ph~Qtqm ~- U~Swi,LI r~.r:n.aj~rs:t,ati9nary, In f!ight, for 3 seconds or 

more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 2 UAS do ~at re~cq~irecontrollinkdata from the GCS, the I ' . ' ' ~. 

UAS will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAS will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe 

mode) via GPSrimd will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown. 

' ~ '., 

A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are set forth on the DJI 

Phantom 2 User Manual, attached here as Appendix B . 

.. iv. ~~e DJI, Phantom 2 GCS And Its Opera~ion. 

A complete description ofthe operation· and specifications oft he DJI Phan'tom 2 GCS and flight control 

software is provided at pages 32 through 43 of the D~l Phantom 2 User Manuai._QJI Phantom 2 User ' • 1 ••• ' ; - • t ~ . j • ' ' : • . . '· ! • • 

Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix B. 1,, ; 

b. Flight Operations Of DJi Phantom 2 UAS Aie Lil1'1ited·To The line ()fsight Of' A Certificated 

Pjlot in CQmmand Wi~h A Safe~y Observer. ·~ .-~ 

KCSI Aerial' Patrol will bnly utilize certiffcated'pilots'virho possess a current imd valid airman medical 

certiffcate to act a's a 'pilot in command'-(PIC) bfthe.-DJ!'Pharltom iUAS.Additionally, a safety observer 

will assist all pilots during flight time. ,··: 

c:Fiights Of DJI Phantom ·2. UAS Will Be ConductecfPursuant T<l Specific Opiimiitinglimitations. ''·\", . 

In seeking this exemption,. KCSI AeriC!I Patrol' proposes to commer;eiC!HY operate DJI Phantom 2 UAS. fo.r · 

the special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, 

pursuant to the foi'iowiri~'specifit'ciperating limitation~: ·- , .. ~- ··. 

~ .. • • ' 1 • • • • • • ( 

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following aircraft· 

described lri tile' operating documents, rotorcraft UASs weighing lessthl3n· 55 pci'ur'l'ds maximum 

gross weight: DJI Phantom ~·Unmanned_ Aircra~ Syste_ms. Proposec;:l_op~r9tion~ of any other ", . • ; ' :;. ' ' • J • • ' ) • • ) ~ 

aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant. 

,-' '( "· •• 1 

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to, c;onc;:luc~ing op~ratiOQS for tl;le pqrpo~e ' • . • . • • . ' • ·: ' > : .: ·• ~ • :. 

of aerial video and photography. 

3. The UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots. 
4~ The UA must be operated at an:altitude of no.more than 500 feet above ground lev'eL(AGL}, 

as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a special,request is 

made and approved by ATC. All altitudes reported to ATC must be in feet AGL. •: -·· ·<~~-~:: .. :·. :~ .. ;·~. :r..·.,p: .. _:,_c ..... :.:.. ~-- -,, 

. ' . · 5. The; UAS:must·be aperate:dwttih.in·vJsualline;Clfsight {VlOS}oHhe· PIC.at·aiLtimes.,Th.is 

requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other th<mcorr.ective 

lenses, as specified on the PIC's FAA~issued airman medical certificate . 

·-·· ·. \ 

. ·'· 

6. The use of first person vie:~Ar{HP·\/.}:by·-ttre P.:lco;r safety: obser:v.er (SO} is··notperrnitted .. 

·· 7. AILoperations must t~tilize a safety observer·(SO)~The SO may· be used to satisfy· the VLOS 

requirement asdong as the PIC always· maintains VLOS capability. The SO and PIC must be able to 

'·communicate verbally at' all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted 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 SO can perform the 

functions prescribed in the operating documents. 

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding 

other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/obstructions and is not permitted to operate 

the camera or other instruments. {. 

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS 

operations a'nd made availabfe to the Administrator upon r~quest. If a discrepancy exists 

between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the p'rocedures 

outlined in the operating docume.nts, the conditions .and lirnit;:~tions contained in the.-grant of < • - • • • : '· •• ' • - • • ' t .-~ ' . . ' 

exemption tak~ precedence.andrrlUs,t be f~ll?wed. qther.wis.e, the operator mus~ follow the 

procedur.es as outlined in ,its oper~ting qocurnents. ,TtJe oper.ator may update, or revi~e its 

operatin~ doc~ments, It is t!)e oper.at..or's r~sP.9~si_bility tonack such revisions anf::l. ~re;sent 

upd~ted and revise~ documentsto, the ~~m.ini~tratorupon r~Clue~t. The ope:ratqr must also 

pre~ent updat~d and_ ~ev.ised documents if .it petitiPns for extension. ~r-amendment to Jhe grant 

of ~x~rnption. If the operat,Qr det~rrni~es that any. ~pdat~ ~r re~ision wo~l,d. affect the basis . .. ' .·.. . ·. " .· ' ' :- .. ·. 

upon which the FAA granted t.he e>.<ernption, the.n the operator. must petition f<;>r amendment to . . . '· . ,,.. ,. . ' . ·' ·' . ' 

its want of exemption. The FAA'~ UAS lntegratio~.Office (AFS-80} may be contacted if questions 

arise regar?ing updates or reyi?ions,to the operating documents .. , 

10. Prior to e<;Jch flight the PIC ITJU~t inspect the l)AS to eosyre tha,t it is in a condition for safe . . . . . 

. fligh.t-Jf the inspectio.l') rev.eals a. co~ditiqn that affect~ the safe operation of the U~S, th~ aircraft 

is prohibit~dfrorn operatinguntil the necess.aryrpflintenqnce h<:~,s been performed and, the UAS 

is found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the ·. . ·•.. ~· . . ' . ·. . . . . 

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the 

. aircraft-records:,·· · 

). 

11.Any UAS that.ha:; ynder,gone m<:~inte,nanFe or al~erations that ;:tff~ct the UAS operation or 

flight characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional 
! 

) 

test·flight.The PIC who conducts the functionaltestflight must make an·entry in the aircraft 

. records., i! 

! \;'• I > • I , " , .. , ·' ' • ~ l 

12. The pre-flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable 

components, items; or equipm~nt,: riotcHready coverediin . .ttl:e-retevilnt sections 'of the· operating 

· , documents. .• ' , . . 1 f . r : ' ' : . ~ 

,. , '• 1 ·~ , ~·~.''~'~ •' c., .• .,),. 'l.i,~:~~· 

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer's aircraft/component, maintenance, 

overhaul, replacement, inspection; and life,iim4t:t1equitemen.ts;., ''.;.2···' ·: ;;' ., 

· _ 14. The operator must carry o'Ufits·maii':,tenance,-inspettrons, arnd record keeping requifements, 

in accordance with the·operatingdotuments. Maintenance, inspection) alterations, and status 

of re:ptacer'rlent/overhaul wmpon~ntparts·must.be noted·in the aircraft records,. including total 

time .in service, description of work accomplished, and the sign attire of the-authorized person 

returning the UAS to service. · · · 

' ·' ., -' i 

15. Each UAS,s operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer Safety 

··Bulletins. 1. 

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft_~ecprd ofthe corrective action \ ~ -

taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections. 

'; 

17_ .. The PIC m\-]st possess at least C! private pilot certificate .and at least a cwrent third- .class . . - .... · .. , . .. ., . . 

medical certificate. 

1'8.: Tlie operator ma·y not permit any PIC to operate unle'ss the PIC meets the operator's 

qualification criteria and demonstratestheabilityto sMely operate the UAS in a manner 

con'sistent with how the UAS will be operated un'der th~ exemption, including evasive and 

emergency maneuvers and i'nairitaini'ng appropriate distances frcim persons, vessels, vehicles 

and structures. PIC .qualification-flight ~hour's must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 

C.F;R. § 61.51(bj: Flights for the purposes of training' the operat'or's PICs are permitted'under the 

term-s of the exi:mfption. H·bwever, training bp~rations may Onlybe conducted dtlring dedicated 

training sessions. During' training, profiCiency; a-hdexperie'rke-build'i'ngflights, all person's not 

essential for flignt operations are considered nonparticipahts, ah.d the PICmust operate' the UA 

with appropriate distance fro·m nonparticipa'nts tn accordance with 14'C.F~R. § 91.119. · 

19. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, 'as defined in 14 C.~.R. § 1.1.:Ail 

operations must be. conducted unde-r visual meteorological Eohditio'ns (VMC). If flight at .. night is 

requir~d, a 'spedalrequest will be made at the FAA office close'~tto proposed area of 

operations. Flights· under special visual flight rule's (SVFR) are not auihoriz~d. f'", 

20. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical mites of an airport reference point as denoted on 

a current FAA-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport's 

management is obtaihed, and the operation is conduct:'ed in accbrda·rice with a NOT AM as 
required by the operator's.COA. The letter of agreement with the airport mal'lagement must be 

made ?JVailable to the Administrator updn request.: 

·' - .•. I ' ~ j '. •• , ~ • -~ .•. " 

..... 2J},he !J~S./l1i'lV,n,?t p,~ ~:?P.e.~<lJr91~~i~ t_b!'lp,~po _fe,~t)J~!ow ?r less, than2,QOQ _feet horizo~tally 

from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC. .. 

,' : : ~ 

. 22.1fthe,UA~ loses ~011Jmunicatjons or los.es its GPS signal, It .~ustreturn to. a predetermined ' • • • 1 • • • • ' ·... : 1 ~:.- · , : ~ • , , --~ •. I , ·. . ;_ _ , , , . , . • _ , . _ . ~ . . .. · 

loc(l_tion witbin ~he.pla_nJledcop~rC!ting area !;lndJ~nd or p~recovered in accorqance with the ' .. ·; ,r,t ~-- ~- ,I,J•", '• !··:. ,., '' :.fl' •. 1 r 1 ·' > ~-), . ,·· ;, :, ',,' .··;o I, ', ; , . . '~· 

, H-~ef,~-~Ing dp~\Jltpe~t~,·,,-.~. ~,--. •· ;;- ,-,. .. ~·- ;.:,,.,, s· ,; .. -i·· <: .,, '.-,._: ·- • ' ,: 

23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredictelfdbstacl~s'6r'emergentie~trr1 

accordance with t.he ~werating do<;urne.~~.s. 

24. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather 

conditions) there is enough power to fly at normal cruising speed to the intended landing point ·, . . . ,. . . : . . ,·. . ' . 

and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining. ·~ .. - i' 

· 25. The operator must obtain an Air tr'affic-Organizatioil (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or 

. Authori:z:ation (COA) pripr to co~ducting a_nv.operations 1.,mder the grant of exemption. This COA . '· ' . ~ ' 

will als.~ requi~e the ope_rator.to reque~t a Notice to Airman (NOT AM) not more than 72 hours in ... - ' : . -· '•·· 

adyance, b_ut not less _than .~8 haws prior to the operation. All operations sh,all be conducted in , ,", • ' . ' ! > •• I · • e• 1- , I ~ · 

accordi;lnce with airspace require11J.ents in t.he ATQ)ssued COA inc.luding class of airspace, ' l .' •,, ' ,'. ; .. I{_. ' ' ,· ; .: ' ·,. • '·• ·: ·./' 

altitude level and potential transponder requirements. 

26.AII pircr11ft o,per.ated In. a.~cnrda.r,~c~ withth.e ~xel'!,lption !J1l,J.st b,~Identi~!ed by seria,l number, .: .: ,, .. , . ,,! •. ;:. l ... ~ • •' J l " • ·' ; ' ·' . ' • ~ ' ' ,. ,' ·- . . . .. •• ' .. 

registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identi,fication ,(,N- Number) rnarkings in 1 ' -~ .. : ' ·~ .. ·,. ! 

accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable. 

~- .. r: "' . 't ·. 1 t' 

27. B~fore conducting operatio,ns, the rad,io frequ~ncy spectrum used (or, operation anc;l control .._ ·, • ' I I •· ;. ) • .. ' . ..- ,·., 

of the UA m!Jst co11Jply with the Federal CommunicCJtions Co111missiqn (FCq or o~her 

app~opri~'te governme~t overslght ag!;:!ncy requirements._' . ,, ' ' ' . . . . ·: ' ..- . ·' . .. •. ;' . ;1 ; . ' . ' 

28. The documeiits req&ired'fewerthan 14 C.F.R. 9i.9 ahd 91'.203 must 15e available to tlie PIC' .. 

at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating. These documents must 

... be m,ade:available to th~ Admtni~t~ator orany law enforc,ement offi:i~l yp~n r~ques~ .. 

29. The UAS must remain d-ear andyie~d the rigHt of way to all: manned aviation operations and 

activities-at all times.· 

30. The. WAS may ,n0t be-operated by the·PIC from any-moving device o.r vehicle. 

3i. Flight operations-must be ~onducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons . I I. 

(persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), vessels, vehicles, and 

. ~tructures unless: . ~ ' 

'~. ·, .. 
a~ Barriers,ar struetures are present that·s..ufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the 

UAS and/or debris in the event of an accident. The, operator mus.tenstJre that nonparticipating 

persons remain under such protection. If a situation arises where nonparticipating persons leave 

" · s~cn protection and are within1

5ub f~et'ohh-e 'uA; inght· op~r~troil'~ mJst t'~-a~e imrned·i~:tely and/or; .. _ . ~-·. •.·'" <·-;, -, .. , c:~\-:tf~i. ;· --•:/] :::·.·d ::: . ;''!;,.;·:, ': '.. \ : '- ... ·- ~: 

l' • . ~ "" . • . ':'~ : . • - . : :- ! .,. . ; ... : . ·' . ·' ' . : ., . • , . • f . I .. ; ~ ' , .. . ' . . . ' 

· b. The a1rtraft is operated near vessels, vehiCles· or structures where the' owner/controrler of ""!"~ •·, .~ • < :,·,_ ',\~ • •• I •f\ !;. :• 'I.JJ :~~,'1 .·· ", i ;,_ ·,;! ,,. "' ·f~,, ·''': .·; 

sucti vessels, vehiCles or struttu"res has granted ·permission and·'the'PIC has made it safety 

assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and dete't'rriined th~dt 'd'6~~-·riot 

pres~n~ an. un_due haza.~d,.~nq; • ·~ < • ,. 

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator tr~irie~s b'r'e~sential persons do hot present an 

; undu,e hazard to those,p,ersons per§ 91.119(a)._ 

32. All operations shall be conducted ave~ pridte or tontrolled-atcess property with permission 

from the land owner/controller or autho-rized representative. Permission from land 

owner/controller or authorized representc;~tive will be obtained .Jar each flight to b~ conducted. I ~ : ' : ' '' •• ;' • t 

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operatio .. n that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries 

of the ~per~tionai area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to 'the· FAA's UAS 

Integration Offic·e (AFS.::SO) wit,hin 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National 

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructlonscontain'ed d~ tlie NTSB Web site: - r ~ , .... , , .:.. • ' i 

www.ntsb.gov. 

· 2. Reasons Why An Exe~ption From Th~ Requ.irerhents Of Section 61.1l3(a) And (b) Would 

r~iotAd\t~rsely Affect: Saf~ty; ,(. . . . . ,\ . . 

. 'I 

KCSI Aerial Patrol submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and (b) will 

be maintained beta use no PIC will be allo'wed to operate the DJI Ph~htbm 2 UAS unless thatPIC has . . ,. ,. . . . . ·(' 

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely 

operate the DJI Phantom 2 UAS in a manher'tonslste~nt ~ith\he exemptidn,'includ'ingevasive and 

emergency m~meuvers andm.aintaining appropriate -~istances from:people,yessels, vehicles·a~d 

structures ... 

Considering KCSI Aeriai'Pat'rol'~s proposed area ofoperations, ~nd the.operati~gli'~itations set forthabove; the par9llel n?ture of private, pilot aerpnauticaJ.knowledge requirements to those Q.f commercial 

pilot requirements (See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills ne~essaryto safely operate the 

DJI Phantom 2 UAS, KCSI Aerial Patrol submits that although the additional manned airmanship 

experience of a commerdally certificated pilot would notcorrelatetothe airmanship skms necessary for 

specific proposed flight operations, however all KCSI Aerial Patrol's pilots are commercially rated and 

hold a ~urrent fi~;t 'class ~~dic.al. ' . .. ., :. · . - . · . . - - · - ·. · -' 

'',. ' . 

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 61.113(a) and (b) specific to-UAS,:in 'Circumstances 

similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 
11065, 11066, 11067, H080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 111381c11150; 11153, 11156, 111:58~·11159; 

11160, 11161). . ,, j -·'· 

KCSI Aeriat.Patrolwill r;.QfaHowahy.PIC::<'toroperate;"therutPhantom·2 UAS.unless'tha't PICI:las.' _;; 

demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hour requirements or the DJI .Phantom-2<tl'A$ training and 

currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 UAS in a manner 

consistent with this ek~~pt.ron, 1niliJdi'n'g'e\/asiv~ ~~-cfe~e'rge~·cv ~~n~uv~rs and'mai~t~ining·· ~, • ! ; ~ ; ; 'i ' ) ,~~ 'i '> '"\'" ,. ' ~: •• , •• ) ·-1. : ' ~ · '-;·. · ~- ~- : •' ;' •· ·; ,~, ; r:,.,. l ' , -, ' ; ~ 

appropriate distances from people~ vessels, vehicles'and structures.' ~ ~-- ·:, Oo '( ~ '•: ~r- :•; ,: :•••i': 0 \, :; :·:: ~~!; i? -:.::, ! •f ~(..1 ;;~:! (\ -~--~l > ;~·.; ,,, t; ~:' -1: ~ :--.-~-- 0 ._,. 0 ,P~;, 

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 C.F:R'; § ·· 

61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours ofthose hours as a 

UAS piiot operating the s~me niake and 'mod~(hf UAS' td- b~ used f~-r oper~tions unde~ the 'exe~ption): 

In addition to the hour requiremehts; the. ~ic mu~t acc~mplish 3' takeoffs and l'andings in -~h~· preced-ing 

90 days (for currency' purposes). 

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained '- '· ., IJ,"' • · • it.. • ' j ·~· • . I , ): > >. • i' .. ' . • 

in compliance with applicable regurations will ensure an equivalent l'evel of safety during KCSI Aerial 

Patrol's proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior docume~ted "flight experien~e that 

was obtaine,p in com~liance wi~h applicable regulations would ensure s~fe operati<:>ns, s~ating a~ follows: 

. ~ , . ,.. . -: :· . -~- -. t ' ' ~ ·- '" ·. -· ' "- , ,; r· ' . • '~ I • , 

lri Exemption No. 1101:)2, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the purpose 

of ~otiori picture film1ng (or simil~r operatfcSns), th~ PIC must have accumulated 'and idggecl, in . 

a ~~-nne·r· cor'l'sisteht with 14 CFR 61.5l(bj, 25 hour~ bf total time as a UAS roto~craft pilot . 

includi-ng at least 10hou-rs logged as a UAS pilot with a 'm-~lti-totor~UAS. Prior to opeiabons 

under· Exe~-ption No. 11062, the,PIC m~st ~lso h~ve ac~~mula'ted ~nd lbgged a rffinihium of 5 

hours as a UA$ pilot o'perating th~same m~ke ~~d model of UAS to be us~d for ope>rations 

under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum' hour requirements to 

, be inclusive_ rat~erthan :ad~itiv~; i.e .. 5 hour,s. mak~ a,,ndJnodel, time may be incl.4dep in .the 10 

hours of m~,Jiti-rotor tip1e, (lnd_ the 10 hams may be inclu.c;led .in trE2 tota! 25 hours of UAS 1 . 

rot9rcraft; time. l_n addition, to th.e hour requirem~nts, ~he_ PIC n:'ust a~cor:nplish 3 takeoffs and 

landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the 

flight-hour r.eq'Liirements' in<E:X:errtption No: ·110&2 are appropriate to practice and build 

proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner's·prbposed·operatiG>nS• The 

FAA also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with 

;~ppli~able r~g_uiatio~·s ;;o~{d s~tistY this requirement. Training,· proficiency; and expe~i~nceb~ilding flights can' also be,cond'ucted ~nder the'graht of exem,pfionto acc~mplishthe required .. . ; . : '. . ; ·- ; ·~ . . . . - . . . . ~- -~ ' . '. ' ' . . . ; . . 

flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience-building flights the PIC is-required to • • . • ~. • . i ,. • " • ~ • :: ~ .. 

operate the UA wit'h appropriate' distances in accordancE:! with 14 C.F.R 91.119. 'i. • . ' • 

Exemption No. 11138 at page 1'5. · · .. - _; 

Accordingly, KCSI Aerial Patrol will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the DJI 

Phantom 2· UAS'unless thatP'IChas demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight-hdur and turrency · 

requirements, that tne PIG is-able to safely operate the-DJI-Phantom 2 UAS in a. manner consistent with 
) 

the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers ancl rnaintaining: appropriate distances; 

from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. 

3. Reasons Why.An Exemption F:roll't'The Requirements Of5e,ctiorh91.'Z{a) W.ould Not. ,, = 

.·,. ~dverselyAffect·Safety. · · ·>~; ··<:<:·••1:. "··' · .. <·.ri ;:. ;;., •.. :,., .. ", ·''•!'"·'" · .·• ,· • 

:("··~,-. ·~' 1 , •• (~.·.,r;c.,. -."~o:".<:···;··:.' ... ;; ... ,.:t ;:-~ 

The equivalel]t level of si]fety established by Section_91.7(i]) will Qe ma.in~ained Qeca_use. priortoeyer_y : •· • • ~ ' . ' :. ' ;.· '-"., } ,_ • ' ' • • ! • ,;' l: .. • • ,l ' • :·: -- ; : J "' 

flight, KCSI Aerial Patrol's pilots will en.~4,re t~'ilt;t?e DJI"Ph~~to.r}} YA~I!!, t~rn?l)~~gr~by ,S9~?i:~?,?i. ,, ;c·, 

based upon the UAS's compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and 

limitations herein. ~ ; · ,. , · , . , 

':. . ·r , , , · 1;, -. -. ·:·: (': · • : 1 i -l • 

Additiql)ally~ the FAA has previously gral)~ed re,lief from "Sectior.91.7,(a) specific to UAS, in circumstar'ces ' - ' . ·. ' . ' . ' . ' • .. ' ; .:. ' ' . . .. ~-

similar, in qll m;:~terial respects, to those presented here.in (e.g. Exemption Nos. 110£?2,.11063, 11064, ,'' ' •' .'w ' • • I - I ;, ' 

11065,11066,11067,11080,11109,11110,11112,11136,11138,11150,11153,11t56,11157,11158, 

11159, 11160, 11161) . 

. 4. Rea.~ons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section ~1.12l Would Not ''• . . . ' ' ., :: -, ' 

Adver~ely Affect Saf(lty. , · .... , 

The equiValent level 'of safety established by Section 91.121 will be m'aintained beca·asethe ·i:lltitude 

information of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will be provided to. the PIC via GPS .equipment ancl a radio 

com117uni~ations telemetry ·data link, ~hich downiJnks,frp~ t~e L,J,At~the _GCS,for ~ctiv~ rn~nito,;ing of 

the flight path an~ C!ltltude. This altitudl'! information, combined vv,ith KCSI Aer!~tPc;:ttrol'soperation of ) I ~ , t > • , , • • , • ,. , , ~ • 1 ....,". • 

the DJI Phantom 2 UAS within visu<;~lline of sight, ;:~tor b~low 500 feet AGL,,will ensurE;! a.l.~yel pf safety I . . ' . ' ·,_. I j ' ~- • • • .. • • • • ' . ' • . ; t 

equivalent tq Se<;:tion 91.121. The altitude inform;:~tion will be generated by GPS equ,ipment installed - ·1\·. ' . : •j •••. ·' ,._ • • ·: 1 4 •. •· ••. ' 1· ' •. 

on board th~ aircraft. Prior to each fl.ight, a zero altitu~einiti<;~tion polnt is al),tomatically established by . . ~ ' ' ' •' ~ . - . . . . . ' . 

the L!ASs at ground l~vel. . , 

The FAA has previously granted'relieffrom Section 91:121 specific to{JAS, in Circumstances similar, in all • ···•. • C •• , i . , '\ .. ' • I -,.. ••• • ' • 

material resp&ts, to those p'resented herein· (e.g. Exem.ptibn Nos. ·11062, 11063, 1106'4, 11065, 11066, 

11067', hoso, 11109,.11112~ r1n·6, 111'38,11150, 11153; 11156; 11157; in5s, 11159>11160, 11161). 

f·,> ";I< 

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 9,l;l5~(b) Woul.d I\IOt 

Aduersely-Affect Safety. · 

.:. ~ 

A grant of this exemption WO\.IId ensure an equivalent level of safety established py 14 c:·F.R. Section .:\ • : ' • ' ' '· • ¥ • • • " • • : • • • • ~ : : '· 

91.151(b) as a result of (1) the t~chnical specifications of the DJI ~hantorp 2 UAS; (2) the limitations on 

the propos~d flight'operations; and(3) the location ofthe pr~p~sed flight operations. Accordi~gly, KCSI 

Aerial Patrol will ensur~· th~t it wiil safely ~perate theb~ttery 'powered:DJtPhFI~t~~ 2 UAS d~~ing 

daylight hours in VFR conditions, with e~ough bat~ery~ow~r to fly fo~a total dtira.tion of l3.S ~inutes 

to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed" to fly after that f~r at .least·· 

4.5 minutes. . .. • • ,. •• J. ; • •, ·, - • .• ~ _ ... 1 >· .··-. .... •. ,. 

Here, as in Exem!)tion No. 11109, the:technical.speclfications of the DJI phantom 2 UAS; the.lirnitatiofls··. 

on the propo-sed flight·operatiQns; and .the-.locc;~tion.ofthe proposed o.perations~ will ensure an:. . , 
equivalent level of safety established by,l4 .G.F.R. Section 9L-151(b). Furthermore, safety will·be 'ensure.d 

as the DJI Phantom 2 UAS provide audible. and visual warnings to the PIC at the GCS when the LYAS· 

experiences low battery voltage, the first w·arni:ng~occurring at approximate.ly 33%: remaining battery 

power, and again .. at approxirr:)at~ly,.100-4:ram_~i.niofgtbatt~t'WPOWer~-At tJile critka[ly .loW battery lev.el, the· 

DJIPh-antom:UASwilldesc;endandland1automoaticaHy;: ::r.:··•·;::~:-:;, -., .. ' ·= 

., 

Significantly, previo~s exemptions grant.ed by i:he FAA concerning Se.c~i~n ~31.151 est~~lish t~at,safeW is, 

not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations ofthe UAS are 

considered. Relief has been gr,anteckfar:fil$n&baircraft td' operate at lesstham:he mihimums 

prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has 

previ~usly granted relief fro~ Section 9L1si 'spedfiC to tJAs, in' circumstan'ces similar, 'ill all m~terial . • " . • . . i ,. :.. . .:.. ~. ·, ' . . . ~ ,. \.' ' ' : . • .. ' . ~ . . . ~ 

respects, to those presented herem (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 

11064, '11065, '11066'/11067, 11080, 11109, rilio, :ui36, '11n8; 1115o,· 11153, 11156, t1i57, ifi58, 

11159, 11160, 11161}.' . _, -~ . 

6;. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements,of·Sections 91:40S(a)~ 91.407('a).(1), 

9l,409(a)(1) & (.a)(2}, And 91.417(<:!) &-(b) Would Not--Adversely Affect Safety., 

In seeking tbis exempti~n, KCSI Aerial Patrol submits that the equivalent level of safeW with regard to 

the regulatory maint~n~~ce andaU~eration r~q:uir.em~nts~stablishedby Sections.~1.405(a), 91.407(ai(1), 

9i.'409(a).(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) &_ (b).:wili be m~t bec~use KCSI Aerial Patrol has<;~ full aircr~ft ' ' ', • "' ' • • : • ~ .. .~ '. _. -;·. ' ;" •• • • • • : j ~ • ~ • 

maintenance crew at its disposal to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on. 

the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the 

KCSI Aerial Patrol Operations Manua·l). Monthly-Maintenance Log; and DJI Phantom 2 Instruction·· 

Manual). F.urthermore, KCSI AeriaL Patrol's staff.will-docume.nt and •maintain all maintenance records for 

the DJI Phantom 2 UAS. :· , · 

·' .J: . ' . ~ i . -~ 

Since the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, KCSI Aerial 

PatrC;J.I. \/\(ill maintain the equivalentlevel of.safetyestablished by Sections-91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 

91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom,2 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix:B; a copy of 

the DJI Phantom 2 UAS. Maintenance LOG is-attached ·hereto as Appendix C. ; ·-

• • ' ~ • I ,. 

'o • -

Likewise, the exemption sought willoot 5Jdversely affect safety because KCSI Aerial Patrol_. will use ~ ' ; . : . . ' . . ' :: . . ' . . '., 

trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance o.n the UASusing 

the meth~ds, te,chniqu,es, and practices prescribed by the operating do~u-ments.' .· 

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety establi.shed by Se.ctions .· ' ·, •"' . 

91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS will be performed 

by trained ~echnicians., Maintenance will be documented and maintained uti.lizing the monthly • · 

maintenance log. Significantly, previousexeo:1ptions grante_d bythe-FAA concerning-Sections 91.405(a), 

91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a}(1) &.(a){l),·and 91.417(a) &.(b) e.stablishthat safety is not· adversely affected 

when the tech-nic.al characteristics and.operatimg Hmitations-ofthe UAS ·are-considered. 

;• 
J 

ln:consideratron off<CSJ Aerial Patrol's proposed operatiht~flfmitations, the operating dbcuments;·and · · 

the technical aspects 6f the'DH Phantom 2 ·UAS; KCSI Aerial Patrol submits that safety will n0t be 

adversely affected by granting exernpticm fr.orn 14 C.F.R; Sections. 91:405(a), 9:L407(a){1) -and (a}(2}; ·· 

9l.409(·a}(2)~ and 91A17{'a) and {b)~ The· FAkhas~reviQ'UslyrgrcmteciJ;reJief'SJ:H~tifioto UAS in'> :. ···1-' :.:: 

circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those::j:ilre-serite:cl'here'in'e::g.:Exelnption'Nos.11062', ' 

11063,11064,11065,11066,11067,11080,11109,11110,11112,11136,11138,11150,11153,11156, 

1115?;-11158·, ili59;11160, ilt6i).'.· . '. . . . ~,, l · :-,:~:· :· • • '. · ' · • ' • • ' ~ ·, 1 :· 

: ., '.··: .. . ,)··~~ . _; ·.")•'' "]• •.... ·· ·, .. :.· <~~~- ,· .. ~-' ~·.: :-.-~--; ·,-;:_. :.c, 'f·;~}; '{'_·: -;.)::, _)-.:._.,,-: 

--~-~~ . '•/' :-,·· -'· ' .· ~ '· ", .:, :... i' .. -:-:\;··:~::.~-~-: . .; :-.~! --~-~-~ _':·1·~ ·:· ~,_ .. ' 

In accord,9r)Ce,with Section333 ofthe.FAA IV!oderniza.tion<;m~ Refp,rm.Actoof 2012 (F'Y'J~j\) and 14 C.F .. ~., ' ~ ' . '·· '. .. ' . . . ·--· . . . ' ' .. - ~ ·. (. ~ . _, " . ' .· . . . ' 

§ 21.H~ entitled. Spec;ial Conditions, ::KCSI,Aeri<;~l_ Patrol r,equ~sts that the FAA pr~scrlbe special conditions 

fo~: the inten,de,d 9peratio!1 of the ~JI Ph~.ntom 2 UAS, ~hi~h co~tai~ such safety standards that the: .. 

Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by ,14 C.P.R., ,. 

Part 21, Subpart H, and 14 C.F.R §§ 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7 (a), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 

91.409.(.a)'(l}-& (a).(2)~ arid 91.417(a) & (b). Such:'sP'ecial conditions will p<'Umit safe operation of t'he UAS 

for the limited purpose ofconduding aerial video and pl'10tography over certain ar~as oMhe United 

States for compensation or hire. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirem(;!nts for considering wh~ther 

a UAS will cre~te a ·haz~rd to users o'f the NAS ~r the public, or otherwis~ p'ose a threat to national. 

security; arid further, provides the iwthorit'y for such UAS to op;er~t~ wlth~'ut a-i~worthiness certification, :-~··· . _, ' ·. : .. .: . ' (: ; ' . . in accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation of the' UAS in-the 

NAS. , ·"... <- ·::· , . . .. :· ,·· 

·-.. \· r ,- r. 

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditionS' pursuar~t t0.14 C.P.R. §·2if.1.6, for operation 

of.the DJI Phantom 2 UAS, since the'airworthiness regulations of 14C:F.R. Part 21 do non:6ntain 

adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features.ofthe aircraft.:, .. · 

Section 21.16, en.;itled Special C?nditions, states the following: t ·~ j •. I·. ') 

If the:FAA findsthat the airworthiness regulations·oftliis ·subchapter. do not contain adequate b'r 

appropriate sa:fety standards for an-a·ircraft, aircraft engine; or pi'opellerbetause of a novel or; 

unusual design feature ofthe aircraft; aircra:ft engiril<e-or:prop·eMer, he prescribes special · 

conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special conditions are issued, in 

accorda~ce ~ith Fia'rt'11' ot'this chapterand contal~ such safety' standards' forth~ aircraft, 

, aircraft engine o~ propeller as the FAA finds ~ec~~sary to estat)iish a le~eTof ~afety equivale-nt to 

that established in' the regulations. 

( '- ' , . ' ~ 

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16. ' ' < : _l 

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 O.f.R; § 21·:16, the FAA may prescribe special 

conditions forKCSI:Aerial Patol's intended operation of the DJI Phantont 2 UAS; which ·contain suth' ~- , 

safety staridard'sthatthe:Administratorfinds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to th<h · 

established by 14 CF.R:·Part21,Subpart H,·and 14-C.F..R Sectlons61:113('a} &-(b), 91.1(a}, 9L12'1, ·· · 

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a){1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). 
· .. { 

.- F. A Summary That Can Be Published.ln The F,ederal Register, stat~ng: T~e R,ules From_Wh_iF~ KCSI , • ,, • .• I ' •• · • • , • ., 1 •. · ;;- . f., . I ,, 

Aerial Patrol Seeks Exemption: _ , ,_, . ,- .__ :' _, · · _. ,_ , --. -, - ~ . 

KCS/ Aerial Patrol seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a}&(b}, 91. 7(a}, 

91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a}, 91.407(a}(1}, 91.409(a}(1} & (a}(2}, and 91.417(a) & (b). 

A Brief Description Of The Nature Of The Exemption KCSI Aerial Patrol Seeks: 

This exemption will permit KCSI Aerial Patrol to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft 

System {UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography ov~r certain areas of 

the United States. 

G. Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support KCSI Aerial Patrol's 

Request. 

This Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 {FMRA) Section 333, '· 

which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in th~ N~S. 

As such, KCSI Aerial Patrol's request for exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA 

Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11, as set forth above. : : 

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to 

users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provic;les the 

authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. 

As discussed in detail above, KCSI Aerial Patrol will operate the DJrPh~ntorri 2 UAS saiely in- the NAS, 

without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national 

security. 

CONCLUSION 

As set forth herein, KCSI Aerial Patrol seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 11.61 and Section 333 

of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 {FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the DJI 

Phantom 2 UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of 

conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas ofthe United States. By granting this 

Petition, the FAA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the FAA Modernization 

and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing KCSI Aerial Patrol 

to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 2 UAS commercially within the NAS. 

Wherefore, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization and Reform 

Act of 2012, Section 333, KCSI Aerial Patrol respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this 
Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sections 61.113(a) & (b), 91.7(a), 91.121, 

91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), and permit KCSI Aerial ~ .• "'i' '·• •. •• ..-~. -~····"~·- :--~· ···-···.·· ,·_,., J~·-·· ;,_ .. ' .... ,."! «.·&: -·~. 

Patrol to operate theDJI Phantom 2 UAS commercially fdrfhe purpose'df conducting aerial video a'nd 

photography over certain areas of the United States. (:"'"l~ ... ::r~·~~:·~ ~ ~ . -~ :·) .. \'!·\·-:::! i~~~: i~~t:_. 

.. ' i,' • \~ ' • ' ··, ' , • 

Dated: 

Respectfully submitted;. 

Randy Cox 

. . . l ~.... . '=''· 

KCSI Aerial Patrol 

410 E. Plan~ ... 

Bakersffeld, CA 9'3307 

661-834-6870 

Appendices: · . 1.1 

A- DJI Phantom 2 Specifications Data Sheet -~~ . , . ' :. \ .. . . . . ·-

B-Link to DJI Phantom 2 and Zenmuse H3-2D Gimbal 

Manufacturer's User Manual 

C- Flight Log 

i•·.._' 

f., I 

''. : _i } :• , •. , 

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. "'·'· 
APPENDIX-A 

Model No.P330Z 

S/N: PH645413822 V2.0 

KCSI Aerial Patrol only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is ar.1 in'di.Jstry le·ader in small UAS production. 

DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to set parameters which will not 

allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also'6'e setto limit flight to no higher than a 

predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flightto a predetermined and,set distance. In addition, ·. . ., 

DJI software provides real-time altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor 

(smart phone/tablet devices) 

1.1 DJI Phantom 2 

1.1.1 Aircraft 

1.1.1.1 Supported Battery- DJI5200mAH LfPo Battery 

1.1.1.2 Weight (Battery & Propel~ers InCluded)- 21bs;T1.8i0oz (1242g) 

1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly)- Vertical: .8m; Horizontal: 2.5m 

1.1.1.4 Max Yaw Angular Velocity- 200°/S 

1.1.1.5 Max Tilt Angel- 35° 

1.1.1.6 Max Ascent Speed- 6m/s 

1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed- 2m/s 

1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed -15m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED) 

1.1.2 Gimbal 

1.1.2.1 Working Current- Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA 

1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy- ±0.03° 

1.1.2.3 Controllable Range- Pitch: -90°- oo 

1.1.2.4 Maximum Angular Speed- Pitch: 90°/s 
i 1.1.3 Camera 

/ 

1.1.3.3 Effective Pixels -14M · -. .. :.f' · :~: ; ·-i ·. · > \.~ 

'l.i- :_ :1.13.4·Reso.h;J;tiofi -;-4384x3288: L'. : ~ :. ~ •• -t /(- ;; 

t .:.·:·; '(. 1 •• •·:•· •• 

4.J.3.S HD Video Recon;Hqg·-·1_08,0p30 & ?20p .- . f ~ I ~ 

• ' 4.f.3'.6 Recotding Field of View -1109/85° 

1.1.4 Transmitter 

1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency- 5.728GHz- 5.85GHz 

1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed)- FCC Compliance: 800m" . 

1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity {1%PER) --93dBm 

1.1.4.4 Transmitter Pow~r :-·FiCC Complian<::e: 100mW 

) r.,, r.·,.• 

. ~ .· 

-~ . '; 
APPENDIX- B 

DJI Phantom 2 Manufacturer's User Manual 

http:// download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom 2/en/PHANTOM2 User Manual v1.4 en.pdf 

Zenmuse H3-2D Gimbal 

http://download.djiinnovations.com/downloads/phantom 2/Zenmuse H3 20 Gimbal Quick Start Guide.pdf