1

August 10, 2015

Attn: U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations West Building Ground Floor, Room w12

- 140 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590

RE: WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., REQUEST AN EXEMPTION 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 WESTWIND
OCELOT UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO SECTION 333 O F
THE FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012 (PUBLIC LAW 112

- 95)

Petitioner:

Bill Jolly
President
Westwind Aerospace , Inc. 2901 Wall Triana Highway
Suite 124 Huntsville, AL 35824 (256) 774

- 5096 bill.jolly@westwindcorp.com2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................3

SUMMARY...................................................................................................................... .....4

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF PETITIONER....................................................4

BACKGROUND................ ....................................................................................................4

BASIS FOR PETITION.........................................................................................................5

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETIT IONER.......................

............ ...................................... 6

THE SPECIFIC S ECTIONS OF 14 C.F.R. FROM WHICH WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.,

SEEKS EX EMPTION................

....................... ........................................... ... ............... ....... 7

THE EXTENT OF RELIEF WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, SEEKS AND THE REASON

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, SEEKS THE

R ELIEF...................

................... ......... ....... . . . .. ... 1 0

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., REQUEST WOU LD
BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ...................................

............ .................. .......................... .1 2

THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION TO WESTWIND AEROSPACE

, INC.

, WOULD NOT ADVE RSELY AFFECT

SAFETY..........................................

................ .... 1 4

SUMMARY THAT CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER....

.......... .. . .. 25

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS A VAILABLE TO

SUPPORT T HE ALTEK MEDIA GROUP ’S R EQUEST...

........ .................................. . . ... 25

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................

. ........ 2 5

APPENDICES...............................................................

. ......................... 263 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

AGL Above Ground Level
AOI Area of Interest
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATO Air Traffic Organization
AV Aerial Vehicle
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COA Certificate of Authorization
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FAR Federal Aviation Regulation
GCS Ground Control Station
GPS Global Positioning System
LOL Loss of Link
NAS National Airspace System
NOTAM Notice to Airman
PIC Pilot In Command
Section 333 FAA Modernizatio n and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA)
SO Safety O bserver
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
STOL Short Takeoff and Landing
UA Unmanned Aircraft
UAS Unmanned Aircraft System
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VLOS Visual Line of Site
VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
VTOL Vertical Takeoff a nd Landing4 SUMMARY

Westwind Aerospace , Inc.

, hereafter referred to as WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks exemption from the requirements of 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)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b), to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System Westwind Ocelot pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit The WESTWIND AEROSPACE

, INC. to operate an Unmanned Aircraft Sys tem (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of land, utilities and other commercial properties over certain areas
of the United States.

INTRODUCTION AND INTERESTS OF THE PETITIONER

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC

. has over 3 years providing their clients with expertise and knowledge in video and multi media using advan ced Aerospace and solutions. The objective of

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, and our Unmanned Aircraft System W estwind Ocelot aerial operations is to provide a more a ffordable

, high

- quality system for a variety of government and
commercial uses specifically targeting ;

• Support Flight Testing at White Sands Missile Range and other test facilities

• Mapping of debris field via IR camera/sensor and video

WESTWIND AEROSPACE INC., staff has safely flown small RC electric quadcopters recreationally for approximately 3 years without incident.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Westwind Ocelot

, UAS

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks an exemption to operate Westwind Ocelot system for compensation or hire within the NAS. The Westwind Ocelot is short takeoff and landing ( STOL ) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The Westwind Ocelot has a maximum gross weight of approximately 21

lb s

. while having a diagonal dimension of 77 ” , a maximum speed of approximately 120 ’fps and

a maximum flying height of 400’

. The Westwind Ocelot is equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors.

The Westwind Ocelot that will be operated by WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will be registered in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 44103, Registration of Aircraft , as well as 14 C.F.R Part 47, Aircraft Registration , and marked in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking

.5

BASIS FOR PETITION

Petitioner, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC. , pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 C.F. R. § 11.61) and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems , hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the Westwind Ocelot

, UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS ), and for an exemption from the requirements of 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)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b).

In consideration of the speed, weight, size, and limited operating area associat ed with the

unman ned aircraft and its operation, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, operation of Westwind

Ocelot UAS meets the conditions of FMRA Section 333 and therefore, will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Accordingly, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, 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 only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate.

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent

level of s afety will be ensured. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, w ill use experienced personnel and technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i. e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual). Furthermore,

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will document and maintain all maintenance records for the

Westwind Ocelot UAS.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges
and limitations: Pilot in command , is requested by WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, 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

Westwind Ocelot UAS in a manner consistent with this exe mption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and

structures.

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft
airworthiness

, because the Westwind Ocelot UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that they will ensure that the Westwind Ocelot UAS is in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UAS are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight.

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings , as the Westwind Ocelot UAS will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will6

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 WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC’S., operation of the Westwind Ocelot UAS within visual line of sight, at or
below 5 00 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121.

Additionally, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that safety will not be affected by operation o f the Westwind

Ocelot UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of approximately 60 minutes

. Battery power indicators are also able to show exactly how much battery power is left, as well as how much time is needed to return safely back to point of take off.

In accorda nce with 14 C.F.R. § 11.81, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption:

A. Name And Address Of The Petitioner.

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

Bill Jolly
President
Westwind Aerospace , Inc. 2901 Wall Triana Highway
Suite 124 Huntsville, AL 35824 (256) 774

- 5096 bill.jolly@westwindcorp.com7

B. The Specific Sections of 14 C.F.R. From Which The WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC. Seeks Exemption.

1. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption from the Requirements of Section 61.113(a) and (b).

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

, subsections (a) and (b) prescribe the following, in relevant part:

(a) No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that pers on, for compensation or hire, act as PIC 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) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and

(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

2. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a).

Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , subsection (a), states the follo wing:

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

3. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of
Section 91.121.

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings , subsection (a), states the follow ing, in part:

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or 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 rep orted altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 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 of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure.8

4. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b).

Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions , subsectio n

(b), states the following:

(b) No person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 20 minutes.

5. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC
., Seeks Exemption From The Requirement Of Section 91.405(a).

Section 91.405, entitled Maintenance required , subsection (a), states the following: Each owner or operator of an ai rcraft

—
(a) Shall have that aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in part 43 of this chapter[.]

6. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.407(a)(1)

Section 91.407, entitled Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration

, subsection (a)(1), states the 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 § 43.7 of this chapter[.]

7. WESTWIND AEROSPACE
, INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.409(a)(1) And 91.409(a)(2).

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

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no person may operate an
aircraft unless, within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had

--
(1) An annual inspection in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and has been approved for return to service by a person authorized by § 43.7 of this chapter; or

(2) An inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.9

8. WESTWIND AEROSPACE
, INC.
, Seeks Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.417(a) And 91.417(b).

Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records , subsections (a) and (b), 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) of this section:

(1) Reco rds 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 a ppliance of an aircraft. The records must include

--
(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and

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

(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the 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 of life

- limited parts 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 be overhauled on a specified time basis.

(iv) The cur rent inspection status of the 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 applicable airworthiness directives (AD) and safe ty directives including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.

(vi) Copies of the forms prescri bed by § 43.9(d) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.10 (b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:

(1) The records spe cified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed.

(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and
transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.

(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.

C. T he Extent Of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks And The Reason
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks The Relief.

1. Extent of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks and the Reason the
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Relief from Section 61.113(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 necessary to allow a PIC holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as a current and valid airman medica l certificate, and who has met certain flight

- hour and currency requirements, to conduct the 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 that a privat e pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as PIC of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if: (1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

As set forth more fully below, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the Westwind

Ocelot UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight

- hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the Westwind Ocelot UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, includ ing evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Further, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that all flights of the Westwind Ocelot

UAS , conducted by the PIC pursuant to the gr ant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to WESTWIND TECHNLOGIES, INC., business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.11

2. Extent Of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks And The Reason The
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Relief From Section 91.7(a).

Relief from Section 91.7(a) entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness , is requested to the extent required to allow The WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC. to determine that the DJI Phantom 3

UAS are in airworthy condition prior to ev ery flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance

with the operating documents ( i.e. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual).

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks the requested relief because the Westwind Ocelot UAS do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will ensure that the Westwind Ocelot UAS are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual ) prior to every flight, and further, determine that the aircraft are in condition for safe flight, as stated in the conditions and

limitations below.

3. Extent Of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks And The Reason
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Relief From Section 91.121.

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings , may be required to all ow flight operations of the Westwind Ocelot UAS, which utilize a barometric pressure sensor, GPS equipment, and a radio communications telemetry data link to downlink altitude information from the UA to the PIC at the ground control station (GCS). Since the FAA requires that any

altitude information concerning UAS operations be reported to air traffic control (ATC) in feet above ground level (AGL), WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks the requested relief

because the Westwind Ocelot UA’s altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather
than th e local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight.

Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated bel ow. As

more f ully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the Westwind

Ocelot UAS are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level pressure setting will be es tablished prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads

- up display of the GCS.

4. Extent Of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks And The Reason The
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Relief From Section 91.151(b).

Relief from Section 91.151(b) entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions , is requested to the extent required to allow flights of the battery powered Westwind Ocelot UAS during daylight hours in visual me teorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 60 minutes. WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, seeks the12

requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered Westwind Ocelot UAS will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition.

Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the Westwind Ocelot UAS

, the

Westwind Ocelot operating documents, and WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., proposed operating limitations, ensure that WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will safely operate the battery powered Westwind Ocelot UAS during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), with enough battery power to fly for a total

duration of 60 minutes

.

5. Extent Of Relief WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks And The Reason

WESTWIND AEROSPACE
, INC.
, Seeks Relief From Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b).

Since Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) only apply to aircraft with an airworthiness certificate, WESTWIND AER OSPACE , INC.

, requests relief from

these Sections because the Westwind Ocelot UAS do es not re quire an airworthiness certificate

. As set forth more fully below, the Westwind Ocelot UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, tec hniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual). Furthermore, WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, will document and maintain all maintenance record s for the Westwind
Ocelot UAS

.

D. The Reasons Why Granting WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Request Would Be In The Public Interest; That Is, How It Would Benefit The Public As A Whole.

Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography of construction sites, real estate, events and civic landscape over certain a reas of the
United States.

Additionally, use of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy. Notably, the benefits of WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC., proposed operation of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will be realized without implicating any privacy issues.13

1. The Public Will Benefit From Decreased Congestion Of The NAS.

The Westwind Ocelot UAS is battery powered and serve s as a safe, efficient, and economical alternative to the manned aircraft traditionally utilized to obtain aerial imagery. By reducing the amount of manned aircraft needed to perform aerial acquisitions, an exemption allowing the use

of a Westwind Ocelot U AS would reduce the amount of manned aircraft in the NAS, reduce noise and air pollution, as well as increase the safety of life and property in the air and on the ground.

Furthermore, by reducing the number of manned aircraft operating in the NAS, conges tion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The Westwind Ocelot

UAS do es not require an airport to takeoff or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would result i n fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeoff, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

2. The Public Will Benefit from the Safety and Efficiency of the Westwind Ocelot UAS

. Conducting aerial acquisitions with the Westwind Ocelot UAS, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of air and noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still photography flight op erations. By using battery power and electric motors, the Westwind Ocelot UAS produce s 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 for aerial video and photography, while burning approximately

20

- 30 gallons per hour of leaded aviation fuel. The Westwind Ocelot UAS , while reducing the carbon footprint of aerial acquisitions, also eliminates noise pollution, as the UAS are propelled by battery powered electric motors, rather than an internal combustion engine.

B y using the Westwind Ocelot UAS to perform aerial acquisitions, the substantial risk to life and property in the air and on the ground, which is usually associated with traditional manned aircraft flight operations, will be substantially reduced or comple tely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the Westwind Ocelot UAS (weighing approximately 21 pounds at maximum gross weight with diagonal dimension of 77 inches , and with no fuel 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 that typically conduct similar operations (weighing approximately 6,000 pounds with a wingspan of approximately 42 feet, a length of 34 fee t, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

3. Performing Aerial Video and Photography Operations with the Westwind Ocelot UAS
Will Benefit the Economy.

In addition to being safe and efficient, the Westwind Ocelot UAS is also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of

the Westwind Ocelot UAS will allow United States based companies, like WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC., to remain competitive and contribute to gr owth of the U.S. economy.14

Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) 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 Westwind Ocelot UAS is one such technology that not only allows companies greater operational flexibility compared to manned aircraft, but provides such flexibility without the high operational cost of a traditional manned aircraft.

By operating the Westwind Ocelot UAS, comp anies such as WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, which will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the Westwind Ocelot UAS, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allows companies to invest in research and development in order to
remain com petitive both in the United States and abroad.

4. There Are No Privacy Issues.

Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades,

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., proposed operation of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the Westwind Ocelot UAS will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

E. The Reasons Why Granting The Ex emption Would Not Adversely Affect Safety, Or How The Exemption Would Provide A Level Of Safety At Least Equal To That Provided By The Rule From Which WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption.

1. Reasons Why The Westwind Ocelot UA S Meet The Conditions Of The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333.

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., operation of the

We stwind Ocelot UAS meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333, and will not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H.

Section 333 provides authority for a UAS to operate without airworthiness certification and sets forth 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. Speci fically, FMRA Section 333 states the following, in part:

(a) In General.

-- Notwithstanding any other requirement of this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation15 shall determine if certa in unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by section 334 of this Act.

(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Syste ms.

-- In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum

--
(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, proximity to airports and populate d areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to national security; and

(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authorization, or
airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1).

(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.

-- If the Secretary determines under this section
that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.

In seeking this exemption, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that the Westwind Ocelot

UAS can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the

characteristics of the Westwind Ocelot UAS ; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

a. The Specifications of t he Westwind Ocelot UAS Demonstrate Its Safe Characteristics.

The Westwind Ocelot UAS do es not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security considering its size, weight, speed, and operational capability.

i. Technical Specifications of the Westwind Ocelot UAS

.

 Up to 1 hour f

light time

 SD video stream, Telemetry stream. HD Video on board storage

 Top speed : 60 MPH

 Max Altitude : 400 Feet

 Weight : 21 lbs.

 Control range : 50 Miles

 SD Video Range: 30

- 50 Miles

 Gimbal Camera range 10 miles

 Controller with color screen and live data

 Pixhawk Flig ht controller software

 Battery : Qty 2 12

, 000 mAh Batteries

 Rechargeable controller battery: 2000 mAh battery16

 18x6 Plastic Prop

 400 Kv motor

 Mapping Camera

– 12v DC, 24 MP

ii. The Westwind Ocelot UAS Global Positioning Modes Enable the UAS to Remain

within a Defined Operational Area.

The Westwind Ocelot UAS is operated in global positioning flight mode

.

iii. The Westwind Ocelot UAS Is Designed for Automatic Return to Home Point or

Loiter In The event o f Loss of the Control Link or Navigation.

If the Control Link is lost, the Westwind Ocelot UAS will loiter , in flight immediately after

return ing to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeoff position and shutdown.

b. Flight Operations of Westwind Ocelot UAS Is Limited To the Line Of Sight of A
Certificated Pilot in Command with A Safety Observer.

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, production staff will be the only person s to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the Westwind Ocelot UAS . Additionally, a safety observer will assist him at
all times during flight time.

c. Flights of Westwind Ocelot UAS Will Be Conducted Pursuant To Specific Operating

Limitations.

In seeking this exemption, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, proposes to commercially operate
Westwind Ocelot UAS for the special purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of United States, pursuant to the following specific operating limitations

.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption will be limited to the following aircraft described in the operating documents, rotorcraft UAS weighing less than 55 pounds maxim um gross weight: Westwind Ocelot Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2. UAS operations under this exemption will be limited to conducting operations for the purpose of aerial video and photography.

3. The UA S may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knot s.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 4 00 feet above ground level (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.

5. The UAS must be operated within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device17 other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA

- issued airman medic al
certificate.

6. The use of first person view (FPV) by the PIC or safety observer (SO) is not permitted.

7. All operations must utilize a safety observer (SO). The SO may be used to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long 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 duratio n 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 obstac les/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 and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, the conditions and limitations contained in the grant of exemption take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the opera tor must follow the procedures as outlined in its operating documents. The operator may update or revise its operating documents. It is the operator’s responsibility to track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upo n request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension or amendment to the grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted the exemp tion, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) may be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operating
documents.

10. Prior to each flight the PIC must i nspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS i s 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 has undergone maintenance or alter ations that affect 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 functional test flight must make an entry in the aircraft records.18 12. The pre

- flight inspection must account for all potential discrepancies, e.g. inoperable components, items, or equipment, not already covered in the relevant sections of the operating documents.

13. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s aircraft/compone nt, maintenance, overhaul, replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements.

14. The operator must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements, in accordance with the operating documents. Maintenance, inspection,

alteration s, and status of replacement/overhaul component parts must be noted in the aircraft records, including total time in service, description of work accomplished, and the signature of the authorized person returning the UAS to service.

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

16. The authorized person must make an entry in the aircraft record of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between inspections.

17. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and at least a current third

class medical certificate.

18. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC meets the operator’s qualification criteria and demonstrates the ability to safely operate the

UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated under the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC qualification flight hours must be logged in a manner consistent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs are permitted under the terms of the exemption. However, training operations may only be conducted during dedicated training sessions. During training, proficiency, and experience

- building flights, all persons not essential for flight operations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C.F.R. § 91.119.

19. UAS ope rations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 C.F.R. § 1.1. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). If flight at night is required, a special request will be made at the FAA office closest to proposed ar ea of operations. Flights under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not
authorized.

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

denoted on a current FAA

- published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement

w ith that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator
upon request.19 21. The U A may not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

22. If the UA loses communications or loses its GPS signal, it must return to a pre

determined location within the planned operating area and land or be recovered in accordance with the operating documents.

23. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the operating documents.

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 in tended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining.

25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under the grant of exemption. This COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72 hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with airspace requirements

in the ATO issued COA including class of airspace, altitude level and potential transponder requirements.

26. All aircraft operated in accordance with the exemption must be identified by serial number, registered in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 47, and have identification ( N

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

27. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of the UA must comply with the Federal Communicati ons Commission (FCC) or other appropriate government oversight agency requirements.

28. The documents required fewer than 14 C.F.R. 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the UAS is operating.

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

29. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all manned aviation operations and activities at all times.

30. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

31. Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons (persons other than the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons), vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. B arriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of an accident. The operator must ensure that nonparticipating persons remain under such protection. If a20 situation arises where non participating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of the UA, flight operations must cease immediately and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or struct ures has granted permission and the PIC has made a safety assessment of the risk of operating closer to those objects and determined that it does not present an undue hazard, and;

c. Operations nearer to the PIC, SO, operator trainees or essential persons do not present an undue hazard to those persons per § 91.119(a).

32. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled

- access property with permission from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission

from land owner/cont roller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

33. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be rep orted to the FAA's UAS Integration Office (AFS

- 80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site: www.ntsb.gov.

2. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirem ents Of Section 61.113(a) And (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61.113(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the

Westwind Ocelot UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.

Considering WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., proposed area of operations, and the operating

limitations set forth

- above; the parallel nature of private pilot aeronautical knowledge requirements to those of commercial pilot requirements ( See Exemption No. 11062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS, WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a

commer cially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., specific proposed flight operations.

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

circumstances simi lar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).21

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will not allow any PIC to operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

- hour requirements or the

Westwind Ocelot UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate

the Westwind Ocelot UAS in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and

structures.

Specifically, the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner cons istent with 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours of those hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption). In addition to the hour req uirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes).

As in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11138, and 11153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of safety during WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., proposed operations. The Administrator has held that prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations would ensure safe operations, stating as follows:

In Exemption No. 11062, the FAA required that prior to conducting operations for the purpose of motion picture filming (or similar operations), the PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot including at least 10 hours logged as a UAS pilot with a multi

- rotor UAS. Prior to operations under Exemption No. 11062, the PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the sa me make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the FAA considers these minimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may be included in the 10 hours of multi

- rot or time and the 10 hours may be included in the total 25 hours of UAS rotorcraft time. In addition to the hour requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The FAA finds that at a minimum, the flight

- hour requirements in Exemption No. 11062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The FAA also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtain ed in compliance with applicable regulations would satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience

- building flights can also be conducted under the grant of exemption to accomplish the required flight time. During training, proficiency, and experience

- building flights the PIC is required to operate the UA with appropriate distances in accordance
with 14 C.F.R 91.119.22

Exemption No. 11138 at page 21

. Accordingly, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will ensure safe operations by not allowing any

PI C to operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight

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

Westwind Ocelot UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and

structures.

3. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.7(a) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every flight, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will ensure that the Westwind Ocelot UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s compliance with its operati ng documents and as
stated in the conditions and limitations herein.

Additionally, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.7(a) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption No s. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

4. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.121 Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

The equ ivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the

altitude information of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will be provided to the PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA t o the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined

with WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., operation of the Westwind Ocelot UAS within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. The altitude information will be generated by GPS equipment installed onboard the aircraft. Prior to each flight, a zero altitude initiation point is automatically established by the

UAS at ground level.

The FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.121 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063,

110 64, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).23

5. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Section 91.151(b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

A grant of this exemption would ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Section 91.151(b) as a result of (1) the technical specifications of the Westwind Ocelot UAS ; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered Westwind Ocelot UAS during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 60 minutes.

Here, as in Exemption No. 11109, the technical specifications of the Westwind Ocelot UAS ; the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and the location of the proposed operations, will ensure an equivalent level of safety established by 14 C.F.R. Se ction 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the Westwind Ocelot UAS provide audible and visual warnings to the

PIC at the GCS when the UAS experiences low battery voltage, the first warning occurring at approximately 33% remaining battery power , and again at approximately 10% remaining battery power. At the critically low battery level, the Westwind Ocelot UAS will descend and land automatically.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Section 91.151 establish that

safe ty is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. Relief has been granted for manned aircraft to operate at less than the minimums prescribed in Section 91.151, including Exemption Nos. 268 9, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the FAA has previously granted relief from Section 91.151 specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 8811, 10808, 10673, 11042, 11062, 11063, 11064, 1106 5, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157, 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

6. Reasons Why An Exemption From The Requirements Of Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), And 91.417(a) & (b) Would Not Adversely Affect Safety.

In seeking this exemption, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that the equivalent level of safety with regard to the regulatory maintenance and alteration requirements established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b) will be met because

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and Westwind Ocelot Instruction Manual).

Furthermore

, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will document and maintain all maintenance
records for the Westwind Ocelot UAS.24

Since the Westwind Ocelot UAS will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents,

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2).

Likewise, th e exemption sought will not adversely affect safety because WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the opera ting documents.

Furthermore, the exemption sought would maintain an equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.407, 91.417(a) and 91.417(b), because all maintenance of the Westwind Ocelot UAS will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log.

Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the FAA concerning Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2), and 91 .417(a) & (b) establish that safety is not adversely affected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered.

In consideration of WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, an d the technical aspects of the Westwind Ocelot UAS

, WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC.

, submits that safety will not be adversely affected by granting exemption from 14 C.F.R. Sections 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1) and (a)(2), 91.409(a)(2), and 91.417(a) and (b).

The FAA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 11062, 11063, 11064, 11065, 11066, 11067, 11080, 11109, 11110, 11112, 11136, 11138, 11150, 11153, 11156, 11157 , 11158, 11159, 11160, 11161).

7. The FAA May Prescribe Any Other Conditions For Safe Operation.

In accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions

, WESTWIND AEROSPACE

, INC.

, requests that the FAA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the Westwind Ocelot

UAS , which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.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)(1) & (a)(2), and 91.417(a) & (b). Such special conditions will permit safe operation of the UAS for the limited purpose of conductin g aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States for compensation or hire. 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 t o national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification in accordance with any requirements that must be established for the safe operation
of the UAS in the NAS.

Likewise, the Administrator may prescribe special conditions pursuant to 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, for operation of the Westwind Ocelot UAS , since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C.F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or25

unusual design fea tures of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions , states the following:

If the FAA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or pr opeller because of a novel or unusual design feature of the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller, he prescribes special conditions and amendments thereto for the product. The special conditions are issued in accordance with Part 11 of this chapter and co ntain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the FAA finds necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established in the regulations.

See 14 C.F.R. § 21.16.

Therefore, in accordance with FMRA Section 333 and 14 C.F.R. § 21.16, the FAA may prescribe special conditions for WESTWIND AEROSPACE, INC., intended operation of the

Westwind Ocelot UAS , which contain such safety standards that the Administrator finds

ne cessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H, and 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 Summary tha t can be published in the Federal Register, stating: The
Rules From Which WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks Exemption:

WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, 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 WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.
, Seeks:

This exemption will permit WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States.

• Any Additional Information, Views, Or Arguments Available To Support
WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., Request.

Thi s Petition is made pursuant to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

(FMRA) Section 333, directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC., 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.26

FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the publi c, or otherwise poses a threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification.

As discussed in detail above, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, will operat e the Westwind

Ocelot UAS safely in th e 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, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, 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 Westwind Ocelot UAS commercially, without an airworthiness certificate, for the limited purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the 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 WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS commercially within the

NAS.

WHEREFORE , in acco rdance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, WESTWIND AEROSPACE , INC.

, respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C.F.R Sectio ns 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 WESTWIND

AEROSPACE , INC., to operate the Westwind Ocelot UAS commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States.

Dated: August 10, 2015

Respectfully submitted,

/s/

Bill Jolly
President
Westwind Aerospace , Inc. 2901 Wall Triana Highway
Suite 124 Huntsville, AL 35824 (256) 774

- 5096 bill.jolly@westwindcorp.com27