Joseph J. Ernster 1333 Lowell Drive South Elgin, IL 60177

October 2, 2015 U.S. Department ofTransportation Docket Management System 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington DC 20590

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 CFR45.23(b); 14 CFR 61.113(a); 14 CFR 91.7(a); 14CFR 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)(1) and (2); 14 CFR 91.417(a) and (b) To whom it may concern: Pursuant to Section 333 ofthe FAA Modernization and Reform Act of2012 and 14 CFRPart 11 , Joseph J Ernster, hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation Regulations to allow commercial operation ofa small UAS, so long as such operations are conducted within and underthe conditions outlined herein or as my be established by the FAA as required by Section 333, for all operators ofsmall Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) working for Joseph J. Ernster. Commercial operation small UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with cameras and sensors, would operate in the following manner: 1

. Aerial photography and/or video for public and /orprivate use including real estate, architecture, land surveying, farming, engineering and otherrelated professional activities. 2. Aerial video and/orphotography for public and/or private use including television, public events, and cinematography

. 3. Aerial inspection/photography ofresidential/commercial structures under contract with the owners or local government authority. 4. Aerial video/photography or providing live video feed to assist with search and rescue operations in cases ofan emergency or natural disaster only when the local authorities or government has requested it by contract or donation. As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation ofsmall UAS under controlled conditions inthe NAS that would be a) limited b) controlled c) predetermined and d) will provide safety enhancements to the already safe operations in the industry presently using conventional aircraft. Approval ofthis exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfillthe Secretary ofTransportation's (the FAA Administrator's) responsibilities to, "establish requirements for the safe operation ofsuch aircraft systems in the national airspace system." The name, phone, email and address ofthe applicant: Name: Joseph J. Ernster Phone: (630) 220-6400 Email: ernsterjoseph@gmail.com Address: 1333 Lowell Drive SouthElgin, IL 60177 Regulations from which the exemption is requested: 14 CFR Part 21 subpart H 14 CFR45.23 (b) 14 CFR 61.113(a) 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) & (b) 14 CFR 91.405 (a) 14 CFR 91.407 (a) (1) 14 CFR 91.409 (a) (2) 14 CFR 91.417 (a) & (b) The small VAS's that will be used are multi-rotor craft weighing no more than 55lbs. including payload. Under normal conditions they operate at speeds ofno more than 45 Mph or 39 Knots and have the ability hover and move along a vertical and horizontal plane simultaneously. They will operate in line ofsight only and by the exempted persons only obeying all other local and federal laws. Given the small size ofthe small UAS and the controlled environment provided, the proposed operations will adhere to the Reform Act's safety requirements. The approval ofthis application presents no national security issues. Regarding the level ofsafety surrounding the proposed operations and the public benefit, reduction in environmental impacts, including but not limited to reduced emissions and noise, the grant ofthe requested exemption is in the public interest. Accordingly the applicantrequests that the FAA grant the requested exemptionwith minimum delay. AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY The operation limitations proposed for an equivalent or higher level ofsafety because operations will further enhance the safety ofthe persons and/or property using conventional aircraft. These limitations and conditions to which the applicant agrees to adhere to when conductingcommercial operations underthe FAAissued exemption as set forth inthe Flight Operations Manual (FOM) include: 1. The small UAS will weigh less than 55 lbs. 2. Flights will be operated within line ofsight ofa pilot and/or observer. 3. Maximum flight time for each operational flight will be 30 minutes. Flights will be terminated at 25% batterypowerreserve or 30 minutes offlight time whichever occurs first. 4. Flights will be operated at an altitude ofno more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) and not more than 200 feet above an elevated platform from which filming is planned. 5. Minimum crewfor each operationwill consist ofthe small UAS Pilot in Command (PIC), the Visual Observer (VO) whenneeded and may include but not limited to a Camera Operator. 6. A briefing will be performedregarding the planned small UAS operations priorto each day's flight consisting ofall the days' production activities. 7. The PIC will obtain verbal/written consent ofall persons involved withthe planned operation and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet ofthe flight operation, and the radius may bereduced to 30 feet basedupon an equivalent level ofsafety determination, as required under the FOM. With the advanced permission or direction ofthe FSDO, operations at closer range maybe approved. 8. The PIC and VO will have been trained in operation ofsmall UAS and receive up-to-date information for the particular small UAS to be operated and will be able to show upon request their competentability to operate the small UAS and/or Camera. 9

.The PIC and VO will be able to communicate by voice, radio, and/or text at all times. 10. Written and/or verbal permission and permits will be obtained from territorial, state, county or cityjurisdictions, including law enforcement, fire or other appropriate governmental agencies when needed. 11. Ifthe small UAS loses communications or loses GPS signal, the small UAS will have the capabilityto return to a pre-determined location within a designated location and land autonomously

. 12. The small UAS will have the capability to abort a flight in case ofunpredicted obstacles, weather, or emergencies. 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) (1) Subpart H, entitled Airworthiness Certificates, establishes the procedural requirements for the issuance ofairworthiness certificates as required by FAR §91.203 (a) (1). Giventhe size andlimited operating area associated withthe aircraft to be utilized bythe Applicant, an exemption from Part 21 Subpart H meets the requirements ofan equivalent level ofsafetyunder Part 11 and Section 333 ofthe Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S

.C.§44701 (f)) and Section 333 ofthe Reform Act both authorize the FAA to exempt aircraft from the requirement for an airworthiness certificate, upon consideration ofthe size, weight, speed, operational capability, and proximityto airports and populated areas ofthe particular small UAS. In all cases, an analysis ofthese criteria demonstrates that the small UAS operated without an airworthiness certificate, inthe restricted environment andunder the conditions proposedwill be at least as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing orrotorcraft) operating with an airworthiness certificate withoutthe restrictions and conditions proposed. The small UAS to be operated hereunder is less than 55 lbs. fully loaded, carries neither a pilot norpassenger, carries no explosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and operates exclusively within a secured and designated area. Unlike other civil aircraft, operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by both the operator and under the requirements and in compliance with local public safety requirements

. These safety enhancements provide a greater degree of safety to the public andproperty owners than conventional operations conducted with airworthiness certificates issued under 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart 

### H

. Lastly, application ofthese same criteria demonstrates thatthere is no credible threat to national security posed by the small UAS, due to its size, speed ofoperation, location ofoperation, lack ofexplosive materials or flammable liquid fuels, and inability to carry a substantial external load. 14 C.F.R. § 45.23 (b). Marking ofthe Aircraft The regulation requires: When marks include only the Roman capital letter "N" and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or light-sport category aircraft or experimental orprovisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, orpilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words "limited," "restricted," "light-sport," "experimental," or "provisional," as applicable. Even though the small UAS will have no airworthiness certificate, an exemption may be needed as the small UAS will have no entrance to the cabin, cockpit or pilot station onwhichthe word "Experimental" canbe placed. Giventhe size ofthe small UAS, two-inch lettering will be impossible. The word "Experimental" will be placed onthe fuselage in compliance with §45

.29 (f). The equivalent level ofsafety will beprovided by having the small UAS marked on its fuselage as required by §45.29 (f) where the pilot, observer and others working with the small UAS will see the identification ofthe small UAS as "Experimental." 14 C.F.R. § 61.113(a): Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command. Pursuant to 14 CFR 61.113 (a), no personwho holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command ofan aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation orhire

. Our small UAS do not carry any pilots orpassengers nor property therefore I am seeking an exemptionto 14 CFR 61.113(a)

. Although helpful, a pilot's license will not ensure remote control piloting skills. The risks attendant to the operation ofsmall UAS is far less thanthe risk levels inherent in the commercial activities outlined in 14 CFR 61. I feel the operation and limitations set forth inthe FOM will equate to the safe operation ofthe small UAS.14 C.F.R. §91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness. The regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in airworthy condition. As there will be no airworthiness certificate issued for the aircraft, should this exemptionbe granted, no FAA regulatory standard will exist for determining airworthiness. Given the size ofthe aircraft for maintenance and use ofsafety checklists prior to each flight an equivalent level ofsafety will be provided. 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 (b) (2}: Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. Section 91.9 (b) (2) provides: No person may operate a U

.S.-registered civil aircraft

... (2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 ofthis chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination thereof. The small UAS, given its size and configurationhas no ability or place to carry such a flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but because there is no room or capacityto carry such an item on the aircraft. The equivalent level ofsafety will be maintained by keeping the flight manual at the ground control point where the pilot flying the small UAS will have immediate access to it. 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action. This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to insure the safety offlight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. The OPERATORwill take all actions including reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoffdistances and aircraft performance data before initiation offlight. 14 C.F.R. §91.109: Flight Instruction. Section 91.103 provides that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. Small UAS and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design do nothave fully functional dual controls

. Flight control is accomplished through the use ofa control box that communicates with the aircraft via radio communications. The FAA has approved exemptions for flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number ofaircraft and for flight instruction in experimental aircraft. The equivalent level ofsafety provided by the fact that neither a pilot nor passengers will be carried in the aircraft and by the size and speed ofthe aircraft. 14 C.F.R. §91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes. Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation ofcivil aircraft. Section 91.119 (d) allows helicopters to be operated at less than the minimums prescribed, provided the person operating the helicopter complies with any route or altitudes prescribed for helicopters by the FAA. As this exemption is for a small UAS that is a helicopter and the exemptionrequests a uthority to operate at altitudes up to 400 AGL, or not more than 200 above an elevated platform from which filmingis planned, an exemptionmaybe needed to allow such operations. As set forth herein, the small UAS will never operate at higher than 400 AGL with the exception that in circumstances where the small UAS is used to survey or photograph a structure whose height exceeds 400 feet AGL, the small UAS will not be operated more than 1 00' above the highest point onthe structure. 

### It will however be operated in a restricted area with security perimeter, where buildings and people will not be exposedto operations without their pre obtained consent. The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed ofthe small UAS as well as the location where it is operated. No flight will betaken withoutthe permission ofthe property owner or local officials. Because ofthe advance notice to the property owner and participants in the filming activity, all affected individuals will be aware ofthe planned flight operations. Compared to flight operations with aircraft or rotorcraft weighting far more than the maximum 551bs. proposed herein and the lack offlammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations is far less than those presently presented with conventional aircraft operating at orbelow 500 AGL. In addition, the low-altitude operations ofthe small UAS will ensure separation between these small- UAS operations and the operations ofconventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119

. 14 C.F.R. §91.121 Altimeter Settings. This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set "to the elevation ofthe departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure." As the small UAS may not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption maybe needed

. An equivalent level ofsafety will be achieved by the operator, pursuantto the safety check list and live flight data monitoring, confirming the altitude ofthe launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before flight. 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from begim1ing "a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point ofintended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed- (1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or {2} At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes." The battery powering the small UAS provides approximately 30 minutes ofpowered flight. To meetthe 30 minute reserve requirement in 14 CFR §91.151, small UAS flights would be limited to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the limitations onthe small UAS's proposed flight area and the location ofits proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time frame for flight in daylight or twilight VFR conditions is reasonable. Applicant believes that an exemption from 14 CFR §91.151 {a) falls within the scope ofprior exemptions. Operating the small UAS, in a tightly controlled area where only people and property owners or official representatives who have signed waivers will be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engenderthe type ofrisks that Section 91.151 {a) was intendedto alleviate given the size and speed ofthe small UAS. Additionally, limiting small UAS flights to 10 minutes would greatly reduce the utility for which the exemption will be granted. Applicant believes that an equivalent level ofsafety can be achieved by limiting flights to 30 minutes or25% ofbattery power- whichever happens first. This restriction would be more than adequate to return the small UAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere inits limited operating area. 14 C.F.R. §91.203 (a) and (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration The regulation provides in pertinentpart: (a) Except as provided in§ 91.715, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has within it the following: (1) An appropriate and current airworthiness certificate
.... (b) No personmay operate a civil aircraft unless the airworthiness certificate required by paragraph (a) ofthis section or a special flight authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew. The small UAS fully loaded weighs no more than 55 lbs. and is operated without an onboard pilot. As such, there is no ability orplaceto carry certification and registration documents orto display them onthe small UAS. An equivalent level ofsafety will be achieved bykeeping these documents at the ground control point where the pilot flying the small UAS will have immediate access to them; to the extent they are applicable to the small UAS. 14 C.F.R. §91.405 (a); 407 (a) (1); 409 (a) (2); 417(a) & (b): Maintenance Inspections. These regulations require that an aircraft operator or owner "shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E ofthis part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) ofthis section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 ofthis chapter," and others shall inspect ormaintain the aircraft in compliance with Part 43. Given that these section and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, these sections will not apply to the applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by the operatorpursuantto the flight manual and operating handbook. An equivalent level ofsafety will be achieved because these small UASs are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only inrestricted areas for limited periods oftime. Ifmechanical issues arise the small UAS can land immediately and will be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. The operator will ensure thatthe small UAS is in working order priorto initiating flight, perform required maintenance, and keep a log ofany maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition to provide the equivalent level ofsafety. An equivalent level ofsafety will be achieved because maintenance and inspections will be performed in accordance with the small UAS Manufacturer's Manual, as referenced in the Aircraft Operations Manual (AOM}. As provided in the FOM, the operator will ensure that the small UAS is in working order priorto initiating flight and performrequired maintenance needed. Small UAS Information Small UAS's to be used are as follows but not limited to providing they are withinthe scope of the exemption grantedbythe FAA:1. DJI Phantom 3 Weight (Battery & Propellers Included) -2.8211bs. Hover Accuracy- Vertical:+/

- .33ft (when Vision Positioning is active) or+/

- 1.64ft Horizontal: +/

- 4.9 ft Max Yaw Angular Velocity -200°/s Max Tilt Angel -35° Max Ascent Speed -16 ft/s Max Descent Speed- 9 ft/s Max Flight Speed -36m ph DJI Phantom 3 Battery o DJI 4480mAH LiPo Battery DJI Phantom 3 Gimbal Controllable Range- Pitch -90 degrees to +30 degrees Stabilization- 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw) DJI Phantom 3 Camera o Operating Temperature Range -32°F -104°F o Sensor Size -1/2.3 in. o Effective Pixels -14M o Resolution -4384x3288 o HD Video Recording • UHD: 4096x2160p 24/25, 3840x2160p 24/25/30 • FHD: 1920xl080p 24/25/30/48/50/60 • HD: 1280x720p 24/25/30/48/50/60 o Recording Field ofView -110°/85° DJI Phantom 3Transmitter o Operating Frequency -2.400GHz -2.483GHz o Communication Distance (unobstructed) -FCC Compliance: 2400 ft o Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER) -lOldbm +/

- 2dbm o Transmitter Power -FCC Compliance: 20dbm CE: 16dbm Conclusion Thank you for the consideration ofthese exemptions. Sincerely,

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