June 17, 2015

Exemption No. 11848

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1076

Mr. Nathan O. Vincent 

Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC

111 East Lakeview Street

Umatilla, FL 32159

Dear Mr. Vincent:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

By letter dated April 8, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC (hereinafter petitioner or operator) for an exemption. 

The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

videography and cinematography to enhance academic community awareness and augment 

real estate listing pictures and videos.

See Appendix A for the petition submitted to the FAA describing the proposed operations and 

the regulations that the petitioner seeks an exemption.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to the petitioner.

Airworthiness Certification

The UAS proposed by the petitioner is a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+.

The petitioner requested relief from 14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products 

and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness Certificates. In accordance with the statutory criteria 

provided in Section 333 of Public Law 112−95 in reference to 49 U.S.C. § 44704, and in 
2

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

aircraft and its operation, the Secretary of Transportation has determined that this aircraft 

meets the conditions of Section 333. Therefore, the FAA finds that the requested relief from 

14 CFR part 21, Certification procedures for products and parts, Subpart H—Airworthiness 

Certificates, and any associated noise certification and testing requirements of part 36, is 

not necessary.

The Basis for Our Decision

You have requested to use a UAS for aerial data collection1. The FAA has issued grants of 

exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. 

In Grants of Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352), 

11109 to Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see

Docket No. FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0642), the FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned 

aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or 

crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in 

addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled 

by this exemption is in the public interest.

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that—

 They are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in Grant of 

Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213;

 The reasons stated by the FAA for granting Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 

11213 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 A grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

In consideration of the foregoing, I find that a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, and 44701, 

delegated to me by the Administrator, Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC is granted an exemption 

from 14 CFR §§ 61.23(a) and (c), 61.101(e)(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 

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

and (b), to the extent necessary to allow the petitioner to operate a UAS to perform aerial data 

collection. This exemption is subject to the conditions and limitations listed below.

 

1 Aerial data collection includes any remote sensing and measuring by an instrument(s) aboard the UA. 

Examples include imagery (photography, video, infrared, etc.), electronic measurement (precision surveying, RF 

analysis, etc.), chemical measurement (particulate measurement, etc.), or any other gathering of data by 

instruments aboard the UA.
3

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC is hereafter referred to as the operator.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be 

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2 

Vision+ when weighing less than 55 pounds including payload. Proposed operations 

of any other aircraft will require a new petition or a petition to amend this exemption.

2. Operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming are 

not permitted. 

3. The UA may not be operated at a speed exceeding 87 knots (100 miles per hour). The 

exemption holder may use either groundspeed or calibrated airspeed to determine 

compliance with the 87 knot speed restriction. In no case will the UA be operated at 

airspeeds greater than the maximum UA operating airspeed recommended by the 

aircraft manufacturer.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level 

(AGL). Altitude must be reported in feet AGL.

5. The UA 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 device other than 

corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate or 

U.S. driver’s license.

6. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The UA must be operated within 

the visual line of sight (VLOS) of the PIC and VO at all times. The VO may be used 

to satisfy the VLOS requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS 

capability. The VO 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 VO can perform the duties 

required of the VO.

7. This exemption and all documents needed to operate the UAS and conduct its 

operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this grant of 

exemption, are hereinafter referred to as the operating documents. The operating 

documents must be accessible during UAS operations and made available to the 

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and 

limitations in this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operating documents, 

the conditions and limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. 
4

Otherwise, the operator 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 or any law enforcement official upon request. The 

operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for extension 

or amendment to this grant of exemption. If the operator determines that any update 

or revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then 

the operator must petition for an 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.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation 

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

a functional test flight prior to conducting further operations under this exemption. 

Functional test flights may only be conducted by a PIC with a VO and must remain at 

least 500 feet from other people. The functional test flight must be conducted in such 

a manner so as to not pose an undue hazard to persons and property.

9. The operator is responsible for maintaining and inspecting the UAS to ensure that it is 

in a condition for safe operation.

10. Prior to each flight, the PIC must conduct a pre-flight inspection and determine the 

UAS is in a condition for safe flight. The pre-flight inspection must account for all 

potential discrepancies, e.g., inoperable components, items, or equipment. 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 is found to be in a condition for safe flight.

11. The operator must follow the UAS manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, 

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements for the aircraft and 

aircraft components.

12. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer 

safety bulletins.

13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, 

commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a 

current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a 

state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal 

government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 

14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

14. The operator may not permit any PIC to operate unless the PIC demonstrates the 

ability to safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be 
5

operated under this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and 

maintaining appropriate distances from persons, vessels, vehicles and structures. PIC 

qualification flight hours and currency must be logged in a manner consistent with 

14 CFR § 61.51(b). Flights for the purposes of training the operator’s PICs and VOs 

(training, proficiency, and experience-building) and determining the PIC’s ability to 

safely operate the UAS in a manner consistent with how the UAS will be operated 

under this exemption are permitted under the terms of this 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 CFR § 91.119.

15. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR § 1.1. All 

operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Flights 

under special visual flight rules (SVFR) are not authorized.

16. The UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of an airport reference point (ARP) as 

denoted in the current FAA Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) or for airports not 

denoted with an ARP, the center of the airport symbol as denoted on the current 

FAA-published aeronautical chart, unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s 

management is obtained or otherwise permitted by a COA issued to the exemption 

holder. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available 

to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

17. The UA 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.

18. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a 

pre-determined location within the private or controlled-access property.

19. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies.

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

weather conditions) there is enough available power for the UA to conduct the 

intended operation and to operate after that for at least five minutes or with the reserve 

power recommended by the manufacturer if greater.

21. Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). All 

operations shall be conducted in accordance with an ATO-issued COA. The 

exemption holder may apply for a new or amended COA if it intends to conduct 

operations that cannot be conducted under the terms of the attached COA.

22. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial 

number, registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification 
6

(N−Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must 

be as large as practicable.

23. Documents used by the operator to ensure the safe operation and flight of the UAS and 

any documents required under 14 CFR §§ 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the 

PIC at the Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. 

These documents must be made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement 

official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and give way to all manned aviation operations and 

activities at all times. 

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

26. All Flight operations must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating 

persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures unless:

a. Barriers 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 a situation arises 

where nonparticipating persons leave such protection and are within 500 feet of 

the UA, flight operations must cease immediately in a manner ensuring the safety 

of nonparticipating persons; and

b. The owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles or structures has granted permission 

for operating closer to those objects 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.

The PIC, VO, operator trainees or essential persons are not considered 

nonparticipating persons under this exemption.

27. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with 

permission from the property owner/controller or authorized representative. 

Permission from property owner/controller or authorized representative will be 

obtained for each flight to be conducted.

28. 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 reported 

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.

If this exemption permits operations for the purpose of closed-set motion picture and 

television filming and production, the following additional conditions and limitations apply.
7

29. The operator must have a motion picture and television operations manual (MPTOM) 

as documented in this grant of exemption.

30. At least 3 days before aerial filming, the operator of the UAS affected by this 

exemption must submit a written Plan of Activities to the local Flight Standards 

District Office (FSDO) with jurisdiction over the area of proposed filming. The 3-day 

notification may be waived with the concurrence of the FSDO. The plan of activities 

must include at least the following:

a. Dates and times for all flights;

b. Name and phone number of the operator for the UAS aerial filming conducted 

under this grant of exemption;

c. Name and phone number of the person responsible for the on-scene operation of 

the UAS;

d. Make, model, and serial or N−Number of UAS to be used;

e. Name and certificate number of UAS PICs involved in the aerial filming;

f. A statement that the operator has obtained permission from property owners 

and/or local officials to conduct the filming production event; the list of those 

who gave permission must be made available to the inspector upon request;

g. Signature of exemption holder or representative; and

h. A description of the flight activity, including maps or diagrams of any area, city, 

town, county, and/or state over which filming will be conducted and the altitudes 

essential to accomplish the operation.

31. Flight operations may be conducted closer than 500 feet from participating persons 

consenting to be involved and necessary for the filming production, as specified in the 

exemption holder’s MPTOM.

Unless otherwise specified in this grant of exemption, the UAS, the UAS PIC, and the UAS 

operations must comply with all applicable parts of 14 CFR including, but not limited to, 

parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.
8

This exemption terminates on June 30, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
9

Project Officer: _______________

MR NATHAN O VINCENT 

111 E LAKEVIEW STREET

UMATILLA FL 32784
Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC

Nathan O. Vincent

111 East Lakeview St., Umatilla, FL 32159

Mobile (352) 551-3785

natev2000@yahoo.com

April 8, 2015

U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Docket Operations

West Building Ground Floor, Room Wl2-140

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE VIA ELECTRONICALLY

Washington, DC 20590 VIA

Re: Exemption Request under Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation

Regulations

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the "Reform

Act") and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 , Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC seeks an exemption from Federal

Aviation Regulations ("FARs") detailed below for the following described Unmanned Aerial

System, which includes a Phantom 2 Vision+ quad-copter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ground

station-based equipment and crew:

THE PHANTOM 2 VISION+ UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (UAV):

• A lightweight (maximum gross weight of 3 pounds), electric motors powered by batteries

and operated with four rotors in the form of a quad-copter that takes off and lands

vertically, manufactured by DJI PHANTOM 2 VISION+, 3-axial camera stabilization

system;

• An on-board flight computer with GPS navigation and location ability that receives

signals for flight controls from a ground-based transmitter/controller;

• A camera capable of capturing imagery in the form of full color, high definition still photos

and video;

• An on-board telemetry system that delivers flight data from the on-board flight computer

to the on-board radio transmitter including altitude AGL, horizontal and vertical speed,

compass direction of flight and direction back to its launch site;

• A 5.8GHz on-board radio transmitter that transmits live video from the on-board camera

plus all the flight data from the telemetry system described above; Frequency 2462MHz

THE GROUND STATION-BASED PART OF THE SYSTEM:

• A Pilot in Command (PIC) in operational control of a flight operation from beginning to

end and who controls the UA while in the air;

• A lOOmW, 2.4GHz radio transmitter/controller operated by the PIC to control the UA

while in flight;

• A radio receiver receiving live video and flight data from the on-board camera and

computer projects it all together onto a screen for the PIC to view during flight;

• A Visual Observer (VO) is a person who provides a second pair of eyes to visually track

the UA while in flight.
The requested exemption would support an application for a commercial Certificate of

Authorization to use the above described UAV System to conduct aerial videography and

cinematography to enhance academic community awareness for those individuals and

companies and augment real estate listing pictures and videos.

The UAV, powered by batteries, is smaller, lighter, requires no fuel, and more maneuverable

than larger aircraft running on combustible fuel, it operates at lower altitudes with no people

on board and will thereby reduce current risk levels and thereby enhance safety and diminish

the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury. With a small payload and maximum flight

time of only 25 minutes with maximum air speed of 30 knots, this is offers little or no risk to

national security. Low-level oblique photos and video from several angles are far more effective

than ground based imagery for displaying the characteristics of large, complex properties with several

buildings and large trees. The applicants in the past have chartered 2-seat full-sized

helicopters for this purpose, which has proven more costly than many potential clients have

been able to afford. The benefits of reduced cost and improved quality of presentation from

the UAV will be valuable to and benefit many buyers and sellers of real property.

Additionally, we request that we be allowed to use our system to benefit first responders

nearby who might require assistance, including fire fighters, the police, the sheriff, et al.,

while remaining subject to all limitations cited in this application as we do so.

The UAV System will be operated in the field with both a PIC and a Visual Observer in

accordance with FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 14 "Operational Requirements for UAS"

and with the following Restrictions:

(a)No flight will be made with a UAV Gross weight exceeding 55 pounds;

(b)All operations must occur in FAA Class G airspace at no more than 400 ft. AGL, at

an airspeed of no more than 25 knots and no further than 3/4 NM from the PIC;

(c)All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO and PIC must be able to

communicate by voice at all times during a flight operation;

(d)Operations will be restricted to flights over private property with the permission of the

property owner;

(e)The PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR §

61.51 (b), a minimum of 100 flight cycles and 25 hours of total time as a UAV rotorcraft

pilot and at least ten hours logged as a UAV pilot with a similar UAV type;

(f)All required permits will be obtained from state and local government prior to operation;

(g)The UAV System will not be operated over densely populated areas;

(h)The UAV System will not be operated at air shows;

(i)The UAV System will not be operated over any open-air assembly of people;

(j)The UAV System will not be operated over heavily trafficked roads;

(k)The UAV System will not be operated within 5 NM of an airport or heliport;

(1)Operations will be restricted to day only and weather conditions equivalent to VFR;

(m)The PIC will brief the VO and property owner about the operation and risk before the

first flight at each new location;

(n)No flight may be made without a Pre-Flight Inspection by the PIC before each operation

to ascertain that the UAV is in a condition safe for flight (see Appendix A).

The PIC and VO will meet the requirements outlined in FAA Policy N 8900.227 Section 16

personnel Qualifications. Additionally, the PIC and VO will perform maintenance on the

system and will complete a course of maintenance instruction as part of their initial training.

We submit that the combination of the UAV's light weight, flight performance and ability, fully

qualified flight crew and strict operation under the guidelines established in 8900.227, and

under all of the Restrictions (a) through (n) listed above, the FAA can have full confidence

that the operation will have an equivalent or greater level of safety than manned aircraft

performing the same mission.
The name and contact information of the applicant are:

Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC

Attn: Nathan O. Vincent

Phone: (352) 551-3785

Email: natev2000@yahoo.com

The Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations from which the exemptions are requested and listed

below. The following have additional information in the Addendum upon which each may be found together with our 

proposed equivalent level of safety for each regulation:

-14 CFR Part 21

-14 CFR 45.23(b)

-14 CFR 61.113(a); 61.113(b)

-14 CFR 91.7(a); 91.9(b)(2); 91.103(b)

-14 CFR 91.109; 91.119; 91.12l

-14 CFR 91.151 (a); 91.203(a) & (b)

-14 CFR Subpart E (91.405(a); 91.407(a)(l)

-14 CFR Subpart E (91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) & (b))

-FAA Policy 8900.227 Paragraph 16(c)(4) and Paragraph 16(e)(l)

We are prepared to modify or amend any part of this request to satisfy the need for an

equivalent level of safety. Please contact us at any time if you require additional information

or clarification. We look forward to working with your office.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Vincent

Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC

Addendum containing Exemption Requests and Equivalent Level of Safety

Appendix A -Flight Manual

ADDENDUM

EXEMPTION REQUESTS AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY

Cayalazac Enterprises, LLC, requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any

additional regulations that may technically apply to the operation of the UAV System:

14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H: Airworthiness Certificates

21.191 Experimental certificates.

Experimental certificates are issued for the following purposes:

(a) Research and development. Testing new aircraft design concepts, new aircraft equipment,

new aircraft installations, new aircraft operating techniques, or new uses for aircraft.

(b) Showing compliance with regulations. Conducting flight tests and other operations to show

compliance with the airworthiness regulations including flights to show compliance for issuance

of type and supplemental type certificates, flights to substantiate major design changes, and

flights to show compliance with the function and reliability requirements of the regulations.

Section 45.23(b) prescribes that 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 or provisionally certificated aircraft, the operator must also display on that aircraft

near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot 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.
Section 61.113(a) and (b) prescribes that

(a) no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as a pilot in command of an

aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for

compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.

(b) a private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command 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.

Section 91.7(a) prescribes that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy

condition.

Section 91.7 (b) prescribes that the pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for

determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight and that the PIC shall discontinue

the flight when unairworthy, mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.

Section 91.9(b)(2) prohibits operation of U.S.-registered civil aircraft 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.

Section 91.1 03 (b) prescribes that a pilot shall for any flight, become familiar with runway

lengths at airports of intended use, and takeoff and landing distance information.

Section 91.1 09( a) prescribes, in pertinent part, 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.

Section 91.119 prescribes that, except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may

operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without

undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over

any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle

within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

(c) Over other than congested areas.

An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over

open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated

closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

(d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft.

If the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface

(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph

(b) or (c) of this section, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with

any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA; and

(2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be operated at less than

the minimums prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.

Section 91.121 requires, in pertinent part, each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising

altitude by reference to an altimeter that is set available within 100 NM of the aircraft " ...to the

elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure."

Section 91.151 (a) prescribes that no person may begin 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 of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, ( 1) during the day, to

fly after that for at least 30 minutes [emphasis added].

Section 91.203(a) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating a civil aircraft unless it

has within it (1) an appropriate and current airworthiness certificate; and (2) an effective

U.S. registration certificate issued to its owner or, for operation within the United States the

second copy of the Aircraft registration Application as provided for in § 4 7.31 (c).

Section 91.203(b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless

the airworthiness certificate 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.

At a maximum gross weight of 5.3 pounds, the UA is too small to carry documentation, does not

have an entrance, and is not capable of carrying passengers or crew. To obtain an equivalent

level of safety and meet the intent of 91.203, we propose that documents deemed appropriate for

this aircraft by the FAA will be co-located with the crew at the ground control station and

available for inspection upon request.
Section 91.405(a) requires, in pertinent part, that an aircraft operator or owner shall have that

aircraft inspected as prescribed in subpart E of the same part and shall, between required

inspections, except as provided in paragraph (c) of the same section, have discrepancies repaired

as prescribed in part 43 of the chapter.

Section 91.407(a)(l) prohibits, in pertinent part, any person from operating an aircraft that has

undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless it has been

approved for return to service by a person authorized under§ 43.7 of the same chapter.

Section 91.409(a)(2) prescribes, in pertinent part, that no person may operate an aircraft unless,

within the preceding 12 calendar months, it has had an inspection for the issuance of an

airworthiness certificate in accordance with part 21 of this chapter.

Section 91.417(a) and (b) prescribes, in pertinent part, that

(a) Each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods

specified in paragraph (b) of this 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 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 current 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

safety 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 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:

(1) The records specified 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.

In conclusion, the Phantom 2 Vision+ aircraft (UA) will not carry persons or property, will not

carry fuel, and will only fly under strict operational requirements. Combined with the UAV's

lightweight, being constructed primarily of carbon fiber and plastic, we propose that the UAV

will be at least as safe, if not safer, than a conventionally certificated aircraft performing the

same mission.

If an airworthiness certificate is not appropriate for this application, then we request an

exemption of 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart H, and the requirement for an airworthiness certificate in

general, citing the equivalent level of safety.
The UA is battery operated and the maximum duration of flight from a single battery charge is

25 minutes with a 20% reserve. Since the aircraft will never fly more than 3/4 NM from the

point of intended landing, a full battery charge at launch will ensure that we meet the reserve

energy requirement of this paragraph. We request an exemption to the word "fuel" and ask for

an equivalent interpretation with the word "energy".

It is our intention that the PIC perform maintenance and inspection of the aircraft and "be

authorized to approve the aircraft for return to service." As provided in the Pre-Flight Checklist

in Appendix A, the PIC will ensure that the aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to every

flight and in addition conduct detailed inspections after every two hours of flight.

Maintenance performed by the PIC is limited to repairing small cracks, replacing a propeller,

checking electrical connections and updating software and firmware for the on-board computer.

All other maintenance will be performed by the manufacturer or designated repair facility. The

PIC will document work performed in accordance with 91.417. We feel that due to the size,

construction, and simplicity of the aircraft, the PIC can ensure an equivalent level of safety.

The UAV maximum gross weight is 3.0 pounds and the PIC is not on board. Both the PIC and the

VO are required to be in VLOS. Given the unlikely event that both the PIC and VO become

medically incapacitated while the aircraft is in flight, the UA will return autonomously to the site

of launching and land without crew intervention.

Therefore, requiring the PIC and VO to meet the same medical requirements as a commercial

pilot carrying passengers in a large aircraft is an unnecessary burden.

The UA will always fly below 400 feet AGL and will not need to maintain cruising altitudes

in order to prevent conflict with other aircraft. An Above Ground Level altimeter

measurement above takeoff point is transmitted via radio from UA on-board computer to

display screen held by the PIC, providing a constant updated AGL readout.

We propose that the minimum medical requirements for the PIC and VO be vision corrected to

20/20 and a valid, state issued driver's license. The 20/20 vision requirement will ensure that the

PIC and VO can see and avoid air traffic; a licensed driver is medically qualified to operate a

much larger vehicle.

UAV Operating Parameters

The petitioner states that he will abide by the following additional operating conditions under this

exemption:

•operate his UAS below 300 feet and within a radius distance of 1000 feet from the

controller to both aid in direct line of sight visual observation

•operate the UAS for 18 minutes per flight;

•land his UAS prior to the manufacturer's recommended minimum level of battery

power;

•operate his UAS only within visual line of sight (VLOS);

•use the UAS' global positioning system (GPS) flight safety feature whereby it hovers

and then slowly lands if communication with the remote control pilot is lost;

•conduct all operations under his own personal and flight safety protocols (including

posting a warning sign reading: "Attention Aerial Photography in Progress-Remain

Back 150 feet") contained in the operating documents and will actively analyze flight

data and other sources of information to constantly update and enhance his safety

protocols;

•contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of his

estimated flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight and other pertinent

information;

•always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation; and

•have procedures in place to abort flights in the event of safety breaches or potential

danger.

APPENDIX A - FLIGHT MANUAL
FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

(a) No flight will be made with a UA Gross weight exceeding 55 pounds;

(b) All operations must occur in FAA Class G airspace at no more than 400' AGL, at an

airspeed of no more than 25 knots and no further than 3/4 NM from the PIC;

(c) All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO and PIC must be able to

communicate verbally at all times during a flight operation;

(d) Operations will be restricted to flights over private property with the permission of the

property owner;

(e) The PIC must have accumulated and logged, in a manner consistent with 14 CFR § 61.51

(b), a minimum of 100 flight cycles and 25 hours of total time as a UA rotorcraft pilot and at

least ten hours logged as a UA pilot with a similar UA type;

(f) All required permits will be obtained from state and local government prior to operation;

(g) The UAV System will not be operated over densely populated areas;

(h) The UAV System will not be operated at air shows;

(i) The UAV System will not be operated over any open-air assembly of people;

G) The UAV System will not be operated over heavily trafficked roads;

(k) The UAV System will not be operated within 5 NM of an airport or heliport;

(1) The UAV System will not be operated over properties smaller than two acres in size;

(m) Operations will be restricted to day only and weather conditions equivalent to VFR;

(n) The PIC will brief the VO and property owner about the operation and risk before the

first flight at each new location;

(o) No flight may be made without a successful Pre-Flight Inspection by the PIC before each

operation to ascertain that the UAV is in a condition safe for flight.

PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST

(1) Use voltmeter to determine that UA battery is fully charged in order to prevent unexpected

premature descent;

(2) Check all wiring connections are tight;

(3) Check all propellers are undamaged and no cracks exist in any structural members of the UAV;

(5) Turn on radio controller, check for adequate voltage, set it to connect to the UA, move all

control switches to forward or down position and throttle control stick full back position;

(6) Connect UA main battery, check for radio contact with UAV's radio receiver;

(7) At a location different from previous flight, re-set GPS and compass to current location;

(8) Tum on transmitter, gimbal and camera.

TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER LOST RADIO CONTACT

1. Failsafe = ON If radio contact is not restored, the UAV

2. Throttle =50°/o will automatically continue at 60ft.

3. Mode = ATTl above its last elevation before losing

4. Failsafe= OFF contact toward its takeoff point, then

Mode= G descend and land there autonomously