UNITED STA TES OF AMERI CA DE P ARTM ENT OF TRAN SPORTA TION FEDERAL A

VIA TION ADMI N ISTRA

TION WASHINGTON, DC

**IN THE**  **M A** 

**TTER OF**  **THE PETITION**  **FOR EXEMPTION**  **OF :** 

**Brandon Phillips FOR**  **AN EXEMPTION SEEKING**  **RELIEF FROM**  **THE REQUIREMENTS**  **OF**

**TITLE 14 OF**  **THE CODE**  **OF FEDERA** **L R** **EG U**  **L A**  **TIO N** **S SECTIONS**  **61. 1**  **13(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**  **COMMERCIA L**  **O PER** **A TIO** **N OF**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 AND DJI**  **Phantom 3 UNMA** **NNED AI**  **RCRA FT**  **SYSTEMS**

**PURSUA NT**  **T O**  **SECTION 333**  **OF T** **H E**  **F AA**  **MO DERN**  **IZ A**  **TI O** **N AND**  **R EFO**  **RM AC** **T OF 2012**  **(PUBLIC L** **A**

**W 1**  **12 -** **95)**

**Submitted on**  **June 15, 2015**  Brandon M. Phillips 1527 Camellia Dr. Hammond, LA 985
-320
-8147 W0332747@selu.edu**T AB**  **LE OF**  **C O** **N T** **EN TS**  Page GLOSSAR

Y OF ABBREVIA

TIONS...................................................................................3

SUMMAR

Y ...........................................................................................................................4

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

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

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

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PETITIONER.............................................................7 THE SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF 14 C. F.R. FROM WH ICH BRANDON PHILLIPS SEEKS EXEMPTION.................................................................8 THE EXTENT OF RELIEF BRANDON PHILLIPS SEEKS AND THE REASON BRANDON PHILLIPS SEEKS THE RELIEF......................... 1 1 THE REASONS WHY GRANTING BRANDON PHILLIPS’S REQUEST WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST .........................................................15 THE REASONS WHY GRANTING THE EXEMPTION WOULD NOT ADVERSE L Y AFFECT SAFETY

..........................................................................19 SUMMAR

Y THA T CAN BE PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER......34 ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMA TION, VIEWS, OR ARGUMENTS AV AILABLE TO SUPPO RT BRANDON PHILLIPS ’S REQUEST.........34 CONCLUSION................................................................................................................35 APPENDICES........................................................................................37**GLOSSA R**  **Y OF**  **ABBREVI A** 

**TIONS** AGL Above Ground Level AOI Area of Interest A TC Air Traffic Control A TO Air Traffic Organization A V Aerial V ehicle CFR Code of Federal Regulations COA Certificate of Authorization F AA Federal A viation Administration F AR Federal A viation Regulation GCS Ground Control Station GPS Global Positioning System LOL Loss of Link NAS National Airspace System NOT AM Notice to Airman PIC Pilot In Command Section 333 F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333 SO Safety Observer SOP Standard Operating Procedures UA Unmanned Aircraft UAS Unmanned Aircraft System VFR Visual Flight Rules VLOS Visual Line of Site VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions VTOL V ertical T akeof f and Landing**SUMMA R**  **Y** Brandon Phillips seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F.R §§ 61. 1 13(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 pursuant to Section 333 of the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA). This exemption will permit BRANDON PHILLIPS to operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the commercial purpose of conducting aerial video and photography of real estate , construction sites , and landscape over certain areas of the United States.

**INTRODUCTION AND**  **INTERESTS OF**  **THE PETITIONER**  BRANDON PHILLIPS provides his clients with photography and videography of properties for the purpose of advertising and site development

. BRANDON PHILLIPS has hundreds of hours flying experience and is a long time member of the AMA

. He has over 12 years recreational/hobby experience in all aspects of aerial video and photography
. The objective of BRANDON PHILLIPS and his aerial operations is to provide high quality imaging for a variety of commercial, public, and residential uses, specifically targeting:

• Residential Construction

• Real
-estate marketing

• Commercial Construction

**BA CKGROUND**  Unmanned Aircraft Systems: DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 UASs BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks an exemption to operate DJI systems for compensation or hire within the NAS. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 are vertical takeof f and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft (UA) with a Ground Control Station (GCS) utilizing electronic tablet or smart phone systems. The DJI Phantom 2 has a maximum gross weight of approximately 2 pounds 1 1 ounces, while having a length of 16 inches width of 16 inches,height of 8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 29 knots. The DJI Phantom 3

has a maximum gross weight of 6 pounds 7.5 ounces, a length of 17.3 inches, width of 17.7 inches, height of 1 1.8 inches, and a maximum speed of approximately 42 knots. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3UAs are equipped with four main rotors; driven by Lithium Polymer battery powered electric motors.

**BA SIS**  **FOR PETITION**  Petitioner, BRANDON PHILLIPS, pursuant to the provisions of the Federal A viation Regulations (14 C. F.R. § 1 1.61) and the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), Section 333, Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems, hereby petitions the Administrator to commercially operate the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 UASs in the National Airspace System (NAS), and for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F.R §§ 61. 1 13(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 associated with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, BRANDON PHILLIPS operation of DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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, BRANDON PHILLIPS 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. BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that the requested relief is proper since an equivalent level of safety will be ensured. BRANDON PHILLIPS will use experienced personnel or technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operati ng documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, BRANDON PHILLIPS will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs.

Relief from certain requirements of Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b), entitled Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command, is requested by BRANDON PHILLIPS to the extent necessary to allow a Pilot in Command (PIC) holding a private pilot or higher level certificate, as well as an airman medical certificate, and who has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
- hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs in a manner consistent with this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures.BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks relief from Section 91.7(a), entitled Civil aircraft

airworthiness, because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C. F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. As such, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that he will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3UASs are in an airworthy condition, prior to every flight, by determining that the UASs are in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual), and that the aircraft are in a condition for safe flight. BRANDON PHILLIPS also seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter Settings, as the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will not have a typical barometric altimeter onboard. However, altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3UAs will be provided to the PIC via Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and radio communications telemetry data link, which downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path. This altitude information, combined with BRANDON PHILLIPS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs within visual line of sight, at or below 500 feet AGL, will ensure a level of safety equivalent to Section 91.121. Additionally, BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks an exemption from the requirements of Section 91.151(b), entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions

. BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that safety will not be af fected by operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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 14.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. In accordance with 14 C. F.R. § 1 1.81, BRANDON PHILLIPS provides the following information in support of its petition for exemption:

**A. Name**  **An d**  **Ad dress**  **Of The**  **Petitione r** **.** The name and address of the Petitioner and point of contact is: BRANDON PHILLIPS 1527 Camellia Dr, Hammond, LA 70403 985
-320
-8147 w0332747@selu.edi u**B. The**  **Specific Sections**  **Of 14 C.**  **F .R.**  **From Which**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **Seeks**

**Exemption. 1.**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **Seeks Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Section**  **61. 1**  **13(a) An** **d (b).**  Section 61. 1 13, 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 person, 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. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks Exemption**  **From The**  **Requirements Of**  **Section 91.7(a).**  Section 91.7, entitled Civil aircraft airworthiness, subsection (a), states the following: (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

**3. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks Exemption**  **From The**  **Requirements Of**  **Section 91.121.** 

Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, subsection (a), states the following, in part: (a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude 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 reported 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. **4. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks Exemption**  **From The**  **Requirements Of**  **Section 91.151(b).**  Section 91.151, entitled Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions, subsection
(b), states the following:

(b) No person may begin 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. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS**  **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 aircraft

— (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. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS 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. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks Exemption**  **From The**  **Requirements Of**  **Sections 91.409(a)(1)**  **An d**  **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
. **8. BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks Exemption**  **From The**  **Requirements Of**  **Sections 91.417(a)**  **An d**  **91.417(b).** Section 91.417, entitled Maintenance records, subsections (a) and (b), state the following: (a) Except for work performed in accordance with §§ 91.4 1 1 and 91.413, 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
-hou r, 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 wh ich 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 wh ich 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 fu rnished to a registered owner or operator under § 43. 1 1 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service. **C. The**  **Extent Of**  **Relief BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **Seeks The Relief.**  **1. Extent**  **Of Relief**  **Brandon Phillips ,**  **S eeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **Brandon Phillips** **, Seeks Relief**  **From Section**  **61. 1**  **13(a) An** **d (b).**  Relief from Section 61. 1 13(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 medical 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. 1 13(a) and (b) state that 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 oremployment; and (2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation

or hire. As set forth more fully below, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 2 UAS or DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has met certain flight
-hour and currency requirements, demonstrating that the PIC is able to safely operate either the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the operations specifications as described in this exemption, including evasive and emergency maneuvers, as well as maintaining appropriate distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Further, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that all flights of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, conducted by the PIC pursuant to the grant of this Petition: (1) will be incidental to BRANDON PHILLIPS’s business; and (2) will not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.

**2. Extent**  **Of Relief**  **BRANDON PHILLIPS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **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 BRANDON PHILLIPS to determine that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are in airworthy condition prior to every flight by ensuring that the UAS is in compliance with the operating documents (i.e., the BRANDON PHILLIPS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do not require an airworthiness certificate in accordance with 14 C. F.R. Part 21, Subpart H. Therefore, BRANDON PHILLIPS will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are in airworthy condition based upon its compliance with the operating documents (i.e., Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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**  **BRANDON PHILLIPS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **Seeks Relief From**  **Section 91.121.** 

Relief from Section 91.121, entitled Altimeter settings, may be required to allow flight operations of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, 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 F

AA requires that any altitude information concerning UAS operations bereported to air traffic control (A TC) in feet above ground level (AGL), BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks the requested relief because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UA ’s altimeter may be set on the ground to zero feet AGL, rather than the local barometric pressure or field altitude, before each flight. Considering the limited altitude of the proposed operations, relief from 14 CFR 91.121 is sought to the extent necessary to comply with the applicable conditions and limitations stated below
. As more fully set forth herein, an equivalent level of safety will be maintained since the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs are equipped with a barometric pressure sensor and GPS equipment, which automatically ensures that a ground level pressure setting will be established prior to each flight, and provides the PIC with altitude information of the UA on the heads
-up display of the GCS.

**4. Extent**  **Of Relief**  **BRANDON PHILLIPS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), under visual flight rules (VFR), for a total duration of 14.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks the requested relief because without an exemption from Section 91.151(b), the flight time duration of the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will severely constrain the practicality of any aerial video or still photo flight operations that BRANDON PHILLIPS proposes to conduct pursuant to this Petition. Significantly, as set forth below, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 operating documents, and BRANDON PHILLIPS’s proposed operating limitations, ensure that BRANDON PHILLIPS will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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 14.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruisi ng speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. **5. Extent**  **Of Relief**  **BRANDON PHILLIPS Seeks**  **An d**  **The Reason**  **BRA NDON** 

**PHILLIPS Seeks Relief**  **From Sections**  **91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),**  **91.409(a)(1) &**  **(a)(2), An** **d 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, BRANDON PHILLIPS requests relief from these Sections because the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do not requireairworthiness certificates. As set forth more fully below, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI

Phantom 3 UASs meet the conditions of FMRA Section 333 for operation without an airworthiness certificate. Accordingly, BRANDON PHILLIPS will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the UAS operating documents (i.e., the BRANDON PHILLIPS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, BRANDON PHILLIPS will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs. **D. The**  **Reasons Why**  **Granting BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Request**  **W ould**  **Be In The**  **Public Interest;**  **That Is,**  **How It**  **W ould**  **Benefit The**  **Public As**  **A Whole.** 
Granting the present Petition will further the public interest by allowing BRANDON PHILLIPS to safely, efficiently, and economically perform aerial video and photography of real estate, and landscape over certain areas of the United States. Additionally, use of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will decrease congestion of the NAS, reduce pollution, and provide significant benefits to the economy
. Notably, the benefits of BRANDON PHILLIPS’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be realized without implicating any privacy issues. **1. The**  **Public W** **ill Benefit**  **From Decreased**  **Congestion Of**  **The NA** **S.** The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs are battery powered and serve 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 DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS 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, congestion around airports caused by arriving and departing aircraft will be reduced. The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs do not require an airport to takeof f or land. Likewise, a reduction of manned aircraft conducting aerial video and photography missions would result in fewer aircraft that must be handled by air traffic control during the ground, takeof f, departure, arrival, and landing phases of flight operations.

**2. The**  **Public W** **ill Benefit**  **From The**  **Safety An** **d Efficiency**  **Of The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 UA** **Ss.**
Conducting aerial acquisitions with the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, instead of manned aircraft, will greatly benefit the public by drastically reducing the levels of airand noise pollution generated during traditional aerial video and still photography flight

operations. By using battery power and electric motors, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs produce 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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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. By using the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 completely eliminated. Aside from the lack of flight crew members located onboard the aircraft, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs (weighing approximately 2 pounds 1 1 ounces and 6 pounds 7.5 ounces respectively, at their maximum gross weights with lengths of 16 inches and 17.3 inches respectively, widths of 16 inches and 17.7 inches respectively, and with no fuel on board), has less physical potential for collateral damage to life and property on the ground, and in the ai r, 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 feet, and a fuel capacity of 180 gallons).

**3. Performing**  **Ae rial**  **V ideo**  **and Photography**  **Operations W** **ith The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 UA** **Ss W** **ill Benefit**  **The Econom** **y .** 

In addition to being safe and efficient, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are also an economical alternative to using manned aircraft to conduct similar aerial operations. As such, operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will allow United States based companies, like BRANDON PHILLIPS, to remain competitive and contribute to growth of the U.S. economy
. Specifically, with the rising cost of aviation fuel and the Environmental Protection Agency (“E P A”) regulatory actions phasing out leaded aviation fuels, U.S. owned and operated companies must adopt new and alternative technology in order to remain competitive. Operating the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, companies such as BRANDON PHILL IPS, can remain competitive and profitable, and therefore, provide greater job stability to employees and contractors, wh ich will ultimately contribute to growth of the U.S. economy
. Improved financial performance of U.S. companies, through commercial use of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, provides a stable workforce that increases consumer spending; improves local, state, and federal tax revenues; and allowscompanies to invest in research and development in order to remain competitive both in

the United States and abroad. **4. There**  **Ar e No**  **Privacy Issues.**  Similar to the manned aerial acquisition flight operations that have been conducted for decades, BRANDON PHILLIPS’s proposed operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will not implicate any privacy issues. Specifically, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be operated only in compliance with operating documents (i.e., the BRANDON PHILLIPS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual) which requires property owner involvement as well as local law enforcement notification, and in accordance with the Federal A viation Regulations, including the minimum altitude requirements of 14 C. F.R. § 91. 1 19. **E. The**  **Reasons Why**  **Granting The**  **Exemption W** **ould Not**  **Ad versely**  **Affect Safet y**  **, Or**  **How The**  **Exemption W** **ould Provide**  **A Level**  **Of Safety**  **At Least**  **Equal T**  **o That**  **Provided By** 

**The Rule**  **From Which**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS**  **Seeks Exemption.**

**1. Reasons**  **Why The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and**  **DJI Phantom**  **3 UA** **s Meet**  **The Conditions**  **Of The**  **F AA**  **Modernization and**  **Reform Ac** **t of**  **2012 (FMRA)**  **Section 333.** 

In consideration of the size, weight, speed, and limited operating area associated with the unmanned aircraft and its operation, BRANDON PHILLIPS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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
. Specifically, 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 T ransportation shall determine if certain 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 Systems.
--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 capabilit y , proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within visual line of sight do not create a haz ard 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 authoriz

ation, 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, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs can operate safely in the NAS pursuant to FMRA Section 333, as demonstrated by: (a) the characteristics of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs; (b) the pilot certification requirement; and (c) the specific operating limitations.

**a. The**  **Specifications Of**  **The DJI**  **Phantom 2 and**  **DJI Phantom**  **3 UA Ss**  **Demonstrate Its**  **Safe Characteristics.**

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs do 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. T**  **echnical Specifications**  **Of The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3**  **UA Ss.** 

The technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs are set forth by the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A and B.**ii. The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 UA** **Ss Au** **tonomous Flight**  **An d**  **Navigation Modes**  **Enable The**  **UA Ss**  **T o**  **Remain W** **ithin A**  **Defined Operational**  **Ar ea.** 

The DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs may be operated in both manual and fully autonomous flight modes. A complete description of the flight and navigational modes of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs is provided at pages 25
-35 of the DJI Phantom 2 and pages 12
- 16 and 45
-50 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A and B.

**iii. The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 UA** **Ss Ar** **e Designed For**  **Au tomatic**  **Return T** 

**o Home**  **Point Or**  **Hover In**  **The Event**  **Of Loss**  **Of The**  **Control Link**  **Or Navigation.** 

When the Control Link is lost, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will remain stationary, in flight, for 3 seconds or more. If, after 3 seconds, the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs do not reacquire control link data from the GCS, the UAs will assume that the Control Link is lost and the UAs will return to the home position (i.e., failsafe mode) via GPS, and will descend to the takeof f position and shutdown. A complete description of the Failsafe Functions of the DJI Phantom 2 UAS are set forth at pages 27 through 29 and for the DJI Phantom 3 at pages 13 through 15 of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals, attached hereto as Appendix A and B.

**i v**  **. The**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 GCS**  **An d**  **Its Operation.** 

A complete description of the operation and specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 GCS and flight control software is provided at pages 32 through 43 of the DJI Phantom 2 User Manual and pages 40 through 47 of the DJI Phantom 3 User Manual. DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A and B.

**b. Flight**  **Operations Of**  **DJI Phantom**  **2 and DJI**  **Phantom 3 UA** **Ss Ar** **e Limited**  **T**

**o The**  **Line Of**  **Sight Of**  **A Certificated**  **Pilot in**  **Command W** **ith A**  **Safety Observe** **r .** 

BRANDON PHILLIPS will be the only person to act as a pilot in command (PIC) of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs. Additionally, a safety observer will assist in flights.**c. Flights**  **Of DJI**  **Phantom 2 and**  **DJI Phantom**  **3 UA Ss**  **W ill**  **Be Conducted**  **Pursuant T**  **o Specific**  **Operating Limitations.** 

In seeking this exemption, BRANDON PHILLIPS proposes to commercially operate DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 UASs weighing less than 55 pounds maximum gross weight: DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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 UAs may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 20 knots.

4. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 500 feet above ground level (AGL), as indicated by the procedures specified in the operating documents unless a special request is made and approved by A TC. All altitudes reported to A

TC 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 device other than corrective lenses, as specified on the PIC’s F AA
-issued airman medical 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 VLOScapability
. The SO and PIC must be able to communicate verbally at all times. Electronic messaging or texting is not permitted during flight operations. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the SO can perform the functions prescribed in the operating documents.

8. The SO must not perform any other duties beyond assisting the PIC with seeing and avoiding other air traffic and other ground based obstacles/ obstructions and is not permitted to operate the camera or other instruments.

9. The operating documents and the grant of exemption must be accessible during UAS operations 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 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 upon 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 af fect the basis upon which the F AA granted the exemption, then the operator must petition for amendment to its grant of exemption. The F

A A ’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 inspect the UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe flight. If the inspection reveals a condition that af fects 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. The Ground Control Station must be included in the preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the aircraft records.

1 1. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that af fect 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.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/component, 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, alterations, 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 UASs 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 flightoperations are considered nonparticipants, and the PIC must operate the UA with appropriate distance from nonparticipants in accordance with 14 C. F.R. § 91. 1 19.

19. UAS operations 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 F AA office closest to proposed area 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 F AA
-published aeronautical chart unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is conducted in accordance with a NOT AM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon request.

21. 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.

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 intended landing point and land the UA with 25% battery power remaining.25. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (A TO) 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 (NOT AM) 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 A TO 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 Communications 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. Barriers or structures are present that sufficiently protect nonparticipating persons from the UA and/or debris in the event of anaccident. 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 and/or;

b. The aircraft is operated near vessels, vehicles or structures where the owner/controller of such vessels, vehicles or structures 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. 1 19(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/controller 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 reported to the F AA'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 Requirements**  **Of Section**  **61. 1**  **13(a) An** **d (b)**  **W ould**  **Not Ad** **versely Af**  **fect Safet y** 

**.**

BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that the equivalent level of safety established by Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b) will be maintained because no PIC will be allowed to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS in a manner consistent with the exemption,including evasive and emergency maneuvers and maintaining appropriate distances from

people, vessels, vehicles and structures. Considering BRANDON PHILLIPS’s 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. 1 1062); and the airmanship skills necessary to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that the additional manned airmanship experience of a commercially certificated pilot would not correlate to the airmanship skills necessary for BRANDON PHILLIPS’s specific proposed flight operations. The F AA has previously granted relief from Section 61. 1 13(a) and (b) specific to UAS, in circumstances similar, in all material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161). BRANDON PHILLIPS will not allow any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
-hour requirements or the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS training and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 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 consistent with 14 C. F.R. § 61.51(b), 25 hours of total time as a UAS rotorcraft pilot (with a minimum of 5 hours 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 requirements, the PIC must accomplish 3 takeof fs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). As in Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 11 138, and 11 153, prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations will ensure an equivalent level of safety during BRANDON PHILLIPS’s 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. 1 1062, the F AA 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. 1 1062, the PIC must also have accumulated and logged a minimum of 5 hours as a UAS pilot operating the same make and model of UAS to be used for operations under the exemption. For clarification, the F AA considers these m inimum hour requirements to be inclusive rather than additive; i.e. 5 hours make and model time may beincluded in the 10 hours of multi
-rotor 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 takeof fs and landings in the preceding 90 days (for currency purposes). The F AA finds that at a minimum, the flight
-hour requirements in Exemption No. 1 1062 are appropriate to practice and build proficiency in the skills necessary to safely conduct the petitioner’s proposed operations. The F AA also finds that prior documented flight experience that was obtained 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. 1 19.
Exemption No. 11 138 at page 15. Accordingly, BRANDON PHILLIPS will ensure safe operations by not allowing any PIC to operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS unless that PIC has demonstrated, by meeting minimum flight
-hour and currency requirements, that the PIC is able to safely operate the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 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) W** **ould Not**  **Ad versely**  **Affect Safet y**  **.**

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.7(a) will be maintained because prior to every flight, BRANDON PHILLIPS will ensure that the DJI Phantom 2 or DJI Phantom 3 UAS is in an airworthy condition based upon the UAS’s compliance with its operating documents and as stated in the conditions and limitations herein. Additionally, the F

AA 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 Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

**4. Reasons**  **Why A**  **Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Section**  **91.121 W** **ould Not**  **Ad versely**  **Affect Safet y**  **.**

The equivalent level of safety established by Section 91.121 will be maintained because the altitude information of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs will be provided tothe PIC via GPS equipment and a radio communications telemetry data link, which

downlinks from the UA to the GCS for active monitoring of the flight path and altitude. This altitude information, combined with BRANDON PHILLIPS’s operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 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 UASs at ground level. The F AA 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. 1 1062, 1 1063, 1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

**5. Reasons**  **Why An**  **Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Section**  **91.151(b) W** **ould Not**  **Ad versely**  **Af fect Safet** **y**

**.**

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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs; (2) the limitations on the proposed flight operations; and (3) the location of the proposed flight operations. Accordingly, BRANDON PHILLIPS will ensure that it will safely operate the battery powered DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAs during daylight hours in VFR conditions, with enough battery power to fly for a total duration of 13.5 minutes to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 4.5 minutes. Here, as in Exemption No. 11 109, the technical specifications of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs; 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. Section 91.151(b). Furthermore, safety will be ensured as the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 DJI Phantom Vision+ and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will descend and land automatically
. Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the F AA concerning Section 91.151 establish that safety is not adversely af fected 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. 2689, 5745, and 10650. Moreover, the F AA 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. 88 1 1, 10808, 10673, 1 1042, 1 1062, 1 1063,1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156,

11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161).

**6. Reasons**  **Why An**  **Exemption From**  **The Requirements**  **Of Sections**  **91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1),**  **91.409(a)(1) & (a)(2),**  **An d**  **91.417(a) & (b)**  **W ould**  **Not Ad** **versely Af** 

**fect Safet y** 

**.**

In seeking this exemption, BRANDON PHILLIPS 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 BRANDON PHILLIPS will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations, or preventive maintenance on the UASs using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the operating documents (i.e., the BRANDON PHILLIPS Aerial Operations Manual, Monthly Maintenance Log, and DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 Instruction Manual). Furthermore, BRANDON PHILLIPS will document and maintain all maintenance records for the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs. Since the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be inspected as prescribed by the operating documents, BRANDON PHILLIPS will maintain the equivalent level of safety established by Sections 91.405(a), 91.409(a)(1), and 91.409(a)(2). A copy of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 User Manuals are attached hereto as Appendix A and B; a copy of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UAS Maintenance LOG is attached hereto as Appendix C. Likewise, the exemption sought will not adversely af fect safety because BRANDON PHILLIPS will use trained technicians to perform maintenance, alterations or preventive maintenance on the UAS using the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the operating 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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs will be performed by trained technicians. Maintenance will be documented and maintained utilizing the monthly maintenance log. Significantly, previous exemptions granted by the F AA 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 af

fected when the technical characteristics and operating limitations of the UAS are considered. In consideration of BRANDON PHILLIPS’s proposed operating limitations, the operating documents, and the technical aspects of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, BRANDON PHILLIPS submits that safety will not be adversely af fected 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 F AA has previously granted relief specific to UAS in circumstances similar, inall material respects, to those presented herein (e.g. Exemption Nos. 1 1062, 1 1063,

1 1064, 1 1065, 1 1066, 1 1067, 1 1080, 11 109, 111 10, 111 12, 11 136, 11 138, 11 150, 11 153, 11 156, 11 157, 11 158, 11 159, 11 160, 11 161). **7. The**  **F AA**  **May**

**Prescribe An** **y Other**  **Conditions For**  **Safe Operation.** In accordance with Section 333 of the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) and 14 C. F.R. § 21.16 entitled Special Conditions, BRANDON PHILLIPS requests that the F AA prescribe special conditions for the intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, 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. 1 13(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 conducting 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 to 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 DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, since the airworthiness regulations of 14 C. F.R. Part 21 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards, due to the novel or unusual design features of the aircraft. Section 21.16, entitled Special Conditions, states the following: If the F AA finds that the airworthiness regulations of this subchapter do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller 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 1 1 of this chapter and contain such safety standards for the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller as the F

AA 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 F AA may prescribe special conditions for Leading Edge’s intended operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs, 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 Sections 61. 1 13(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 That**  **Can Be Published**  **In The**  **Federal Registe** **r ,**  **stating: The**  **Rules From**  **Which Brandon Phillips**  **Seeks Exemption:**

BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F .R Sections 61. 1 13(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 BRA** **NDON PHILLIPS Seeks:** 

This exemption will permit BRANDON PHILLIPS to commercially operate an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States.

**• An** **y Ad** **ditional Information,**  **V ie** **ws, Or**  **Ar guments**  **A vailable**  **T**

**o Support**  **BRA NDON PHILLIPS** **’ s**  **Request.**

This Petition is made pursuant to the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) Section 333, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine if certain UAS may operate safely in the NAS. As such, BRANDON PHILLIPS’s request for exemption may be granted pursuant to the authority of FMRA Section 333 and 14 C. F.R. Part 1 1, as set forth above. FMRA Section 333 sets forth the requirements for considering whether a UAS will create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security; and further, provides the authority for such UAS to operate without airworthiness certification. As discussed in detail above, BRANDON PHILLIPS will operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs safely in the NAS, without creating a hazard to users of the NAS, or the public, or otherwise pose a threat to national security
.**C O** **NC L** **U SIO** **N**

As set forth herein, BRANDON PHILLIPS seeks an exemption pursuant to 14 C. F.R. § 1 1.61 and Section 333 of the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA), which will permit safe operation of the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs 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 F AA Administrator will be fulfilling the Congressional mandate of the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, while also advancing the interests of the public, by allowing BRANDON PHILLIPS to safely, efficiently, and economically operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs commercially within the NAS. **WHEREFORE** , in accordance with the Federal A viation Regulations and the F AA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 333, BRANDON PHILLIPS respectfully requests that the Administrator grant this Petition for an exemption from the requirements of 14 C. F.R Sections 61. 1 13(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 Leading Edge to operate the DJI Phantom 2 and DJI Phantom 3 UASs commercially for the purpose of conducting aerial video and photography over certain areas of the United States. Dated: April 20, 2015

Respectfully submitted,

BRANDON PHILLIPS
1527 Camellia Dr. Hammond, LA 70403 985
-320
-8147Appendices :

A

– DJI Phantom 2 Manual: B

– DJI Phantom 3 Specifications Data Sheet C

– Monthly Maintenance Log D
- DJI Phantom Users Guide

APPENDIX

– A

**DJI PHA** **N T** **OM 2 VISION+**  **TECHNICA L**  **SPEC IFI** **C A**  **TIO N** **S**

Brandon Phillips only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real
-time altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

1.1 DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

1.1.1 Aircraft 1.1.1.1 Supported Battery

– DJI 5200mAH LiPo Battery 1.1.1.2 Weig ht (Battery & Propellers Included)

– 2lbs 1 1.810oz (1242g) 1.1.1.3 Hover Accuracy (Ready to Fly)

– V ertical: .8m; Horizontal: 2.5m 1.1.1.4 Max Y

aw Angular V

elocity
- 2000/s
1.1.1.7 Max Descent Speed

– 2m/s 1.1.1.8 Max Flight Speed

– 15m/s (NOT RECOMMENDED)

1.1.2 G imbal1.1.2.1 Working Current

– Static: 750mA; Dynamic: 900mA 1.1.2.2 Control Accuracy
- ±0.030
1.1.3 Camera 1.1.3.1 Operating T

emperature Range
- 320 F
- 1040 F (00C
- 400C) 1.1.3.3 Ef

fective Pixels

– 14M 1.1.3.4 Resolution

– 4384x3288 4.1.3.5 HD Video Recording

– 1080p30 & 720p 4.1.3.6 Recording Field of View
- 1 100/850

1.1.4 Transmitter 1.1.4.1 Operating Frequency

– 5.728GHz

– 5.85GHz 1.1.4.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed)

– FCC Compliance: 800m 1.1.4.3 Receiver Sensitivity (1%PER)
- -93dBm 1.1.4.4 Transmitter Power

– FCC Compliance: 100mW 1.1.4.5 Working V

oltage – 120mA@3.7V

1.1.5 Range Extender 1.1.5.1 Operating Frequency

– 2412
-2462MHz 1.1.5.2 Communication Distance (unobstructed)

– 500
-700m 1.1.5.3 Transmitter Power

– 20dBm 1.1.5.4 Power Consumption

– 2W

APPENDIX

– B **DJI Phantom**  **3 TECHNICA L**  **SPEC IFI** **C A**  **TIO N** **S**Brandon Phillips only utilizes safe and reliable UASs. DJI is an industry leader in small

UAS production. DJI UASs are loaded with ground breaking software enabling the user to set parameters which will not allow flight into controlled airspace. Parameters can also be set to limit flight to no higher than a predetermined and set altitude as well as limit flight to a predetermined and set distance. In addition, DJI software provides real
-time altitude and location information to the PIC via the linked monitor (smart phone/tablet devices)

2.2 DJI Inspire 1

2.2.1 Aircraft 2.2.1.1 Model

– Phantom 3 2.2.1.2 Weig ht (Battery Included)

– 1280 grams 2.2.1.3 Hovering Accuracy (GPS Mode)

– V ertical: +/
- 10cm; Horizontal: +/
- 1m 2.2.1.4 Max Angular V elocity

–Y

aw: 2000/s
2.2.1.7 Max Descent Speed

– 3m/s 2.2.1.8 Max Speed

– 16m/s (A TTI mode, no wind

– NOT RECOMMENDED) 2.2.1.9 Max Flight Altitude

– 6000m 2.2.1.10 Max Flight Time

– Approximately 23 minutes 2.2.1.12 Motor Model

– DJI 3510 2.2.1.13 Propeller Model

– DJI 1345 2.2.1.14 Operating T

emperature Range

– 140 F to 1040 F (
- 100C to 400C)

”

2.2.2 Gimbal 2.2.2.1 Model

– ZENMUSE X3 2.2.2.2 Output Power (with camera)

– Static: 9W; In Motion: 1 1W 2.2.2.3 Operating Current

– Static: 750mA; In Motion: 900mA 2.2.2.4 Angular Vibration Range
- ±0.0302.2.2.5 Mounting

– Detachable 2.2.2.6 Controllable Range

– Pitch:
-900 to +300; Pan: ±3200
2.2.3 Camera 2.2.3.1 Name

– Sony EXMOR 2.2.3.2 Model

– 12.4M Pixel 2.2.3.3 T otal Pixels

– 12.4M 2.2.3.4 Ef

fective Pixels

– 12.76M 2.2.3.5 Image Max Size

– 4000x3000 2.2.3.6 ISO Range

– 100
-3200 2.2.3.7 Field of View
- 940 2.2.3.9 HD Video Recording

– UHD(4K): 4096x2160p24/25, 3840x2160p24/25/30; FHD: 1920x1080p24/25/30/48/50/60; HD: 1280x720p24/25/30/48/50/60 2.2.3.10 Operating T

emperature Range
- 320 F
- 1040 F (00C
- 400C)

2.2.4 Transmitter 2.2.4.1 Name

– C1 2.2.4.2 Operating Frequency

– 5.728
-5.850GHz; 2.400
-2.483GHz 2.2.4.3 Communicating Distance (unobstructed)

– 2000m 2.2.4.4 Output Power

– 9W 2.2.4.5 Operating T

emperature Range
- 140 F to 1040 F (
- 100C to 400C)