Steve Sobkowiak

4912 Main Street

Downers Grove, IL 60515

steve@oakleyhomebuilders.com

Website: oakleyhomebuilders.com

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, Steve Sobkowiak, owner of Oakley Home Builders and operator of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), hereby 

applies for an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) listed below to allow operation of our Small 

Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) commercially in airspace regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) so long as such operations are conducted with and under the conditions outlined herein or as may be 

established by the FAA as required by Section 333. 

The requested exemption would permit Steve Sobkowiak to pursue his commercial interests in providing services to 

clients using a small advanced sUAV in the following areas: Real Estate, Marketing, and Construction 

Management/Monitoring. Steve Sobkowiak states that all sUAS flights will occur over private or controlled access 

to property and will do so with the property owners’ consent and knowledge and that only people who have 

consented or otherwise have agreed to be within the UAS’ radius during filming and photography applications.

Commercial operation of an UAS, as described herein, which are equipped with camera(s) and sensors, would 

provide professional services in the following areas:

1. Aerial photography and/or video for public and/or private use including real estate, architecture, and other 

related professional activities.

2. Aerial video/inspection and/or photography of for sale and/or completed homes under agreement with the 

owners of the property for public and/or private use including real-estate, marketing, architecture and other 

related professional activities..

As described fully below, the requested exemption would permit the operation of designated UAS as set forth in this 

document under controlled conditions in the NAS that would be a) limited b) controlled c) predetermined and d) 

safe. 

Steve Sobkowiak plans to operate the Phantom 3 Professional which is a quad-copter with a gross weight of 2.8 

pounds. It is equipped with four rotors that are driven by electric motors powered by batteries. The UA has a 

maximum airspeed of 16 m/s. It will be operated over private or controlled properties with the consent of owners’ of 

the property. The UAS will be used to compile real estate listing videos posted to our company website and/or real 

estate websites, photograph and/or video for sale or completed homes interior and/or exterior, and other business 

related operations.

The following contains my list of regulations from which I am seeking exemption, and a complete list of 

responsibilities I assume as operator; it also contains information regarding the aircraft, public benefit and safety 

features, and similar petitions requests granted.

Regulations from which exemption is requested: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21 

14 C.F.R. 45.23(b) 

14 C.F.R. 61.113(a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a) 
14 C.F.R. 91.9(b) (2) 

14 C.F.R. 91.109 

14 C.F.R. 91.119 

14 C.F.R. 91.121 

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a) 

14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) & (b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.205(b) 

14 C.F.R. 91.215 

14 C.F.R. 91.401 - 91.417

UAS Operating Parameters

We will abide by the following additional operation conditions under this exemption, which ensures a level of safety 

equivalent to existing rules:

 Operate UAS below 300 feet and within a radius distance of 1000 feet from the controller to aid in 

direct line of sight visual observation

 Obtain permission from the owner/controller of any vessels, vehicles, and structures. 

 Land UAS prior to the manufacturer’s recommended minimum level of battery power

 Operate UAS during daylight hours only within the visual line of sight

 Contact respective airports if operations will be within 5 miles to advise them of his estimated 

flight time, flight duration, elevation of flight and any other pertinent information.

 Always obtain all necessary permissions prior to operation

Public Interest

Aerial photography and videography for real estate and construction are proven strategies to enhance marketing 

efforts and increase business successes. By granting this exemption I would be able to provide affordable services to 

potential home owners and/or existing homeowners. The small UAS will pose no threat to the public given its small 

size and noncombustible fuel. Public and private uses serviced by our company enhance vibrancy and add culture to 

the community and its citizens.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact me at 312-953-9033

Thank you,

Steve Sobkowiak

Owner

Oakley Home Builders