August 6, 2015

Exemption No. 12369

Regulatory Docket No. FAA–2015–1962

Mr. Mark Paulson

507 Oakleaf Drive

San Antonio, TX 78209

Dear Mr. Paulson:

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 letters dated April 14 and July 8, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) for an exemption. The petitioner requested to operate an unmanned 

aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial photography for photogrammetry and video 

documentation.

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 are the DJI Phantom 2 Vision +, DJI Inspire 1, and 

Sensefly eBee.
2

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 

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, Mr. Mark Paulson 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 

 

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

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.

Conditions and Limitations

In this grant of exemption, Mr. Mark Paulson 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 +, DJI Inspire 1, and Sensefly eBee 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 
4

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. 

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 
5

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 

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 
6

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 

(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 
7

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.

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 August 31, 2017, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures
Mark%R%Paulson,%RPLS – EXEMPTION%RULEMAKING Page%1 of%3

April%14,%2015U.S.%Dept.%of%Transportation,%Docket%Operations

West%Building%Ground%Floor,%Room%w12O140

1200%New%Jersey%Avenue,%SE.,

Washington,%DC%20590

Submitted%Electronically%via%the%Federal%Docket%Management%System%(FDMS)%

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,% I,% Mark% R.% Paulson,% RPLS am% seeking an% exemption% from% Federal% Aviation% Regulations%

(“FARs”)%detailed%below%for%the%following%Unmanned%Aerial%Systems:%the%DJI%Phantom%Vision%2+%and%the%

DJI% Inspire% 1% called% in% this% application% the% Unmanned% Aircraft% Systems% (UA’s),% which% includes% an%

Unmanned%Aircraft%(UA)%and%ground%stationObased%equipment%and%crew:

THE#UNMANNED#AIRCRAFT#(UA’s):

• DJI% Phantom% 2% Vision% +% lightweight% (under% 3lb.% gross% weight),% battery% operated% 4Omotor% quad%

copter%that%takes%off%and%lands%vertically%

• DJ%Inspire%1,%also%lightweight% (under%7lb.%gross%weight),%battery%operated%4Omotor%quad%copter%

that%takes%off%and%lands%vertically

EACH#INCLUDES:

• An% onOboard% flight% computer% with%GPS% navigation% and% location% ability% that% receives% signals% for%

flight%controls%from%a%groundObased%transmitter/controller;

• An%onOboard%camera%capable%of%capturing%imagery%in% the% form%of% full%color,%high%definition%still%

photos%and%video

• An%onOboard%telemetry%system%that%delivers%flight%data%from%the%onOboard%flight%computer%to%the%

onOboard% radio% transmitter% including% altitude% AGL,% horizontal% and% vertical% speed,% compass%

direction%of%flight%and%direction%back%to%its%launch%site

• A%5.8GHz%onOboard%radio%transmitter%that%transmits%live%video%from%the%onOboard%camera%plus%all%

the%flight%data%from%the%telemetry%system%described%above

THE#GROUND#STATION9BASED#PART#OF#THE#SYSTEM:

• A% Pilot%in%Command% (PIC)%In%operational%control%of%a%mission% from%beginning% to%end,%and%who%

controls%the%UA%while%in%the%air

• A%2.4GHz%radio%transmitter/controller%operated%by%the%PIC%to%control%the%UA%while%in%flight%

• Ground%Station%DJI%Vision%App%which%receives%and%displays%video%and%system%telemetry%real%time%

from%the%UA

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

while%in%flight.
Mark%R%Paulson,%RPLS – EXEMPTION%RULEMAKING Page%2 of%3

SERVICES#(FOR#THE#PUBLIC#GOOD)

The%requested%exemption%would%support%an%application%for%a%commercial%Certificate%of%Authorization%to%

use%the%above described%UA’s to%support%aerial%photography%for%aerial%mapping%(photogrammetry)%and%

video%documentation%for%the%public%good.%Typical%applications%would%include,%but%are%not%limited%to:%

• Agricultural%monitoring%

• Mapping%new%and%existing%construction%projects

• Mapping%for%land%development%and%or%real%estate%purposes

• Mapping%for%environmental%mitigation%projects

• Mapping%for%transportation%related%projects%

• Mapping%for%utilities%

• Construction%monitoring

• Real%estate%photography%

The%inherent%ability%of%UA’s%to%capture%imagery%from%a%low%altitude%including oblique%photos%and%video%

from%several%angles%is%far%more effective%than%groundO based%imagery%for%displaying%the%characteristics%of%

large,% complex% properties%or%areas%where% change%monitoring%is% needed.%The%applicant%in% the% past% has%

chartered%fixed%wing%aircraft%and%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%UA%will%be%valuable%to%and%benefit%many%buyers%and%sellers%of%real%property.

SAFETY#(FOR#THE#PUBLIC#GOOD)#

UA’s,% are%powered% by% batteries,%they% are smaller,% lighter% and%more%maneuverable% than% larger% aircraft%

running% on% combustible% fuel;% they operate at% lower% altitudes% (under% 500’)% with% no% people% on% board%

thereby% reducing% current% risk% levels%and%enhancing% public% safety.%With%a% small% payload%and%maximum%

flight%time%of%approximately%20 minutes,%UA’s%offer little%or%no%risk%to%national%security.%In%addition the

DJI UA’s have%their own%built%in%flight%restrictions%in%special%areas%ie:%airports,%which%limit%flight%in%these%

areas.% More% information% can% be% found% in% the% UA’s% User’s% Manual or% on% DJI’s% website% at%

https://www.dji.com/flyOsafe.%%

FAA#POLICY#N#8900.227#SECTION 14#"OPERATIONAL#REQUIREMENTS#FOR#UAS"

The% UA’s will% be% operated% in% the% field% with% both% a% PIC% and% a% VO% in% accordance% with% and% with% the%

following%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%500%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) The%PIC%must%have%accumulated%and%logged,%in%a%manner%consistent%with%14%CFR%§

e) 61.51%(b),%10%hours%of%total%time%as%a%UA%rotorcraft%pilot%and%at%least%5%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%UA will%not%be%operated%over%densely%populated%areas;%without%prior%approval.

h) The%UA will%not%be%operated%at%air%shows;

i) The%UA will%not%be%operated%over%any%openOair%assembly%of%people; without%prior%approval.
Mark%R%Paulson,%RPLS – EXEMPTION%RULEMAKING Page%3 of%3

j) The%UA will%not%be%operated%over%heavily%trafficked%roads; without%prior%approval.

k) The%UA will%not%be%operated%within%5%NM%of%an%airport%or%heliport;%without%prior%approval.%

l) 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%operation

n) No% flight% will be% made% without% a% PreOFlight% Inspection% by% the% PIC% before% each% operation% to%

ascertain%that%the%UA%is%in%a%condition%safe%for%flight

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.

I submit% that% the% combination% of% the% UA'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.

SUMMARY#GRANT#REQUEST

This request%follows%many%others%using%similar%systems%and%process%that%have%been%granted%previously.%I%

am%requesting%the%FAA%issue%a%summary%grant%of%exemption%as%this request%would%not%set%a%precedent.

Both%UA’s%have%previously%received%Summary%Grants%under%Exemption%No.%11313;%DeGrazia%Music,%LLC

Which%cites%similarity%with 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%this%request

• A%grant%of%exemption%would%be%in%the%public%interest.

THE#REGULATIONS#FROM WHICH#THE#EXEMPTIONS#ARE#BEING#REQUESTED#

Beside%each%regulation%number%is%the%page%of%the%attached%Addendum%upon%which%each%may%be%found%

together%with%a%proposed%equivalent%level%of%safety%for%each%regulation:

O 14%CFR%Part%21 Subpart%H Addendum%Page%1

O 14%CFR%91.203%(a)%(1) Addendum%Page%1

O 14%CFR%45.23 (b) Addendum%Page%2

O 14%CFR%91.7%(a) Addendum%Page%2

O 14%CFR%91.9 Addendum%Page%2

O 14%CFR%61.113,%61.133 Addendum%Page%2

O 14%CFR%91.109,%91.119,%91.121 Addendum%Page%3

O 14%CFR%91.151 Addendum%Page%3

O 14%CFR%Subpart%E%(91.401%O 91.417) Addendum%Page%4

O FAA%Policy%8900.227%Paragraph%16(c)(4)%and%Paragraph%16(e)(1) Addendum%Page%4
Mark%R%Paulson,%RPLS – EXEMPTION%RULEMAKING Page%4 of%3

I%am 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.% I look%

forward%to%working with%your office.

Sincerely,

Mark%R. Paulson.%RPLS

Phone:%210O896O3384

Email:%markp@proseals.com

Addendum%Containing Exemption Requests and%Equivalent Level%of%Safety

Appendix A%– Flight%Operations/Procedures

Appendix B – User’s%Manual%for%(DJI%Phantom%2%Vision +)

Appendix%C%– User’s%Manual%for%(DJI%Inspire%1)%
MARK%R.%PAULSON O ADDENDUM%O EXEMPTION%REQUESTS%/ EQUIVALENT%LEVEL%OF%SAFETY Page%1 of%4

ADDENDUM

EXEMPTION#REQUESTS AND#EQUIVALENT#LEVEL OF SAFETY

I% Mark% R.% Paulson%request an% exemption% from%the following% regulations% as% well as% any% additional%

regulations% that%may technically apply to% the% operation% of the DJI% Phantom% 2% Vision%+%and% the%DJI%

Inspire%1%(UA’s):

14#C.F.R.#Part#21,#Subpart#H:#Airworthiness#Certificates#14#C.F.R.#91.203#(a)#(1)

Subpart%H,%entitled%Airworthiness%Certificates,%establishes%the%procedural%requirements%for%the%issuance%

of%airworthiness%certificates%as%required%by%FAR%91.203(%a)%(1).%Given%the%size%and%limited%operating%area%

associated%with%the%UA%to%be%utilized%by%the%Petitioner,%an%exemption%from%Part%21%Subpart%H%meets%the%

requirements%of%an%equivalent%level%of%safety%under%Part%11%and%Section%333%of%the%FMRA.%The%Federal%

Aviation% Act% (49% U.S.C.44701% (f))% and% Section 333% of% the% FMRA% both% authorize% the% FAA% to% exempt%

aircraft% from%the%requirement% for%an%airworthiness%certificate,%upon%consideration%of%the%size,%weight,%

speed,%operational%capability,%and%proximity%to%airports%and%populated%areas%of%the%particular%UA.%In%all%

cases,% an% analysis% of% these% criteria% demonstrates% that% the% UA operated% without% an% airworthiness%

certificate,%in the%restricted%environment%and%under%the%conditions%proposed%will%be%at%least%as%safe,%or%

safer,%than%a%conventional%aircraft%(fixed%wing%or%rotorcraft)%operating%with%an%airworthiness%certificate%

without%the%restrictions%and%conditions%proposed.%The%UA to%be%operated%hereunder%is%less%than%55%lbs.%

fully%loaded,%is%by%definition%unmanned%and%carries%neither%a%pilot%nor%passenger,%carries%no%explosive%

materials%or% flammable%liquid% fuels,%and%operates%exclusively%within%a%limited% flight%area.%Unlike%other%

civil%aircraft,%operations%under%this%exemption will%be%tightly%controlled%and%monitored%by%the%Operator%

and% will% also% remain% within% the% requirements% of,% and% in% compliance% with,% local% public% safety%

requirements.% These% safety% enhancements,% which% already% apply% to% civil% aircraft% provide% a% greater%

degree% of% safety% to% the% public% and% property% owners% than% conventional% operations% conducted% with%

airworthiness%certificates%issued%under%14%C.F.R.%Part%21,%Subpart%H.%Lastly,%application%of% these%same%

criteria%demonstrates% that%there%is%no%credible% threat% to%national%security%posed%by% the%UA%due%to%its%

size,% speed% of% operation,% location% of% operation, lack% of%explosive%materials% or%flammable% liquid% fuels,%

and%inability%to%carry%a%substantial%external%load.

14#C.F.R.##45.23#(b). Marking#of#the#Aircraft

The% regulation% requires;%When% marks% include% only% the% Roman% capital% letter% "N"% and% the% registration%

number% is% displayed% on% limited,% restricted% or% lightOsport% 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,"%"lightOsport,"%"experimental,"%or%"provisional,"%as%applicable.%Even%though%

the%UA will% have% no% airworthiness% certificate,% an% exemption% may% be% needed% as% the%UA will% have% no%

entrance%to%the%cabin,%cockpit%or%pilot%station%on%which%the%word%"Experimental"%can%be%placed.%Given%

the%size%of%the%UA,%twoOinch%lettering%will%be%impossible.%The%word%"Experimental"%will%be%placed%on%the%

fuselage%in%compliance%with%45.29%(f).%The%equivalent%level%of%safety will%be%provided%by%having%the%UA

marked%on%its%fuselage%as%required%by%45.29%(f)%where%the%pilot,%observer%and others%working%with%the%

UA will%see%the identification%of%the%UA%as%"Experimental."%
MARK%R.%PAULSON O ADDENDUM%O EXEMPTION%REQUESTS%/ EQUIVALENT%LEVEL%OF%SAFETY Page%2 of%4

The%FAA%has%issued%the%following%exemptions%to%this%regulation%to%Exemptions%Nos.%10700,%8738,%10167%

and%10167%A.

14#C.F.R.#91.7(a):#Civil#aircraft#airworthiness.

The%regulation%requires%that%no%person%may%operate%a%civil%aircraft%unless%it%is%in%airworthy%condition.%As%

there%will%be%no%airworthiness%certificate%issued%for%the%aircraft,%should%this%exemption%be%granted,%no%

FAA%regulatory%standard%will%exist%for%determining%airworthiness.%Given%the%size%of%the%aircraft%and%the%

requirements%contained%herein%for%the%use%of%safety%check%lists%prior%to%each%flight,%an%equivalent%level%

of%safety%will%be%provided.

14#CFR#91.9#Civil aircraft#flight#manual,#marking,#and placard requirements.

This% regulation% provides that% no% person% may operate% an% aircraft% unless a current,% approved% flight%

manual%is%in%the aircraft.% We assume that%the%intent%of%this%requirement%is%to%ensure that flight%manual%

information%is%available% to% the%aircrew while%operating the%aircraft. We request%an%exemption%to% this%

requirement%since the%aircraft%is not%only too%small%to%carry documentation;%the%documentation%would%

not%be%available%to%the crew during flight%operations.

To% obtain% an% equivalent% level% of% safety and% meet% the intent% of% 91.9,% we propose that% a current,%

approved%UA%Flight%Operations/Procedures (Appendix A) must be available%to%the crew%at the%ground

station%anytime%the aircraft%is%in,%or preparing%for,%flight.

The% FAA% has% issued% the% following% exemptions%to% this% regulation:% Exemption% Nos.% 8607,% 8737,% 8738,%

9299,%9299A, 9565,%95658,%10167,%10167A,%10602,%32827,%and%10700.

14#CFR#61.113 Private pilot privileges#and limitations:#Pilot in Command and 61.133 Commercial pilot

privileges#and limitations.

The regulation% provides% that% no% person% that% holds% a% private% pilot certificate may act% as% pilot% in%

command%of an%aircraft%for compensation%or hire. Subparagraph (b) allows a private%pilot to%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.%

Our proposed operations require that%the%PIC%must either

1. Hold% a Private% Pilot Certificate issued% by the FAA,% and% have logged% 10 hours% of% flight%

experience in%this%type of UA,%or

2. Meet%the requirements%of 8900.227%para%16(c)(2)(c) "Operations without a pilot%certificate"%

in%which%the PIC%is%required%to%complete "FAA private pilot%ground instruction" and%pass%"the

FAA Private%Pilot written%examination." Since there are currently no means%available%for the%

pilot of%a UA to gain%the experience in an equivalent%category and class in%order%to%apply for%a

private pilot's%license,%we propose to%generate an%equivalent%level%of safety%by requiring our%

pilots%to% complete,% at% a% minimum,% FAA private pilot% ground% instruction% and% pass%the FAA

Private Pilot%written%examination%in%addition% to% completing the% private% pilot requirements.%%

Since the aircraft% cannot%carry passengers%or%property,%we feel that%we meet%the intent%of%

61.113 Subparagraph%(b) even%though%the%intent%of%this%application%is%to conduct%a%business.
MARK%R.%PAULSON O ADDENDUM%O EXEMPTION%REQUESTS%/ EQUIVALENT%LEVEL%OF%SAFETY Page%3 of%4

14#CFR#91.109 Flight#Instruction;#Simulated instrument#flight#and certain#flight#tests#

The regulation states% that "No% person% may operate a civil% aircraft% that% is% being used for flight%

instruction%unless%that%aircraft%has fully functioning dual controls."

The UA’s groundObased%control%station%consists%of a small%handOheld%radio%transmitter%and%while%it%does%

not%offer%a second%set%of "controls",%both%the student%and%instructor%can, and%will,%operate%the single%

set of controls simultaneously.% % With% both% student% and% instructor% having% "handsOon" the controls%

during flight, we feel%that%this%technique%meets%the intent%91.109%and%provides%an%equivalent%level%of%

safety.

14#CFR#91.119#Minimum safe altitudes: General.

The regulation states%that over%sparsely populated areas%the aircraft cannot be operated%closer

than% 500%feet%to% any person,% vessel,% vehicle,% or% structure.% % Since the aircraft will be operating at%a%

maximum%of%500 feet%AGL, we cannot%comply with%this%requirement.

In%order%to%provide an%equivalent%level%of%safety The UA’s will not%be%operated%over congested%areas or

over any open% air assembly of persons with% prior% approval. Any% property% owner% affected will% be%

briefed% on the% expected% route% of flight% and the% associated risks% to% persons% and% property on% the

ground. The aircraft%will% be operated%at%a low%altitude allowing,%if%a power% unit% fails,%an emergency

landing without undue hazard to%persons%or%property on the%surface.%Therefore we maintain%that%due%

to% the% small size of% the UA,% the% hazard% to% persons,% vehicles% and% structures% is minimal% compared% to

manned aircraft,%which%should%be considered%in granting the%exemption.

14#CFR#91.121#Altimeter settings.

The regulation requires%that%aircraft%shall maintain%cruising%altitudes%by reference to%an%altimeter

setting available within%100 NM%of the%aircraft.

The UA%will always fly below%500 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 the%takeoff%

point%is%transmitted via%radio%from%the UA’S onOboard computer to%the%display%screen%held%by the%PIC,

providing a constantly updated%AGL readout.

14#CFR#91.151 Fuel#requirements#for flight#in VFR conditions.

The regulation% provides% that% no% person% may begin a flight% in% an airplane under% dayOVFR conditions%

unless%there is%enough fuel%to%fly to%the first%point%of intended%landing and%to%fly after%that%for at%least%

30%minutes.

The intention%of this%paragraph%is%to%provide an%energy reserve as%a%safety buffer%for%delays%to%landing.%

Each UA% is% battery operated% and the% maximum% duration% of%flight%from% a single% battery charge% is 45

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

intended landing,% a full battery charge at% launch% will ensure that% we meet% the% reserve energy
MARK%R.%PAULSON O ADDENDUM%O EXEMPTION%REQUESTS%/ EQUIVALENT%LEVEL%OF%SAFETY Page%4 of%4

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

interpretation%with%the%word%"energy".

14#CFR#Subpart#E#(91.401 9 91.417) 9 Maintenance,#Preventive Maintenance,#Alterations#

The regulation% provides%that%the operator% is% primarily responsible% for maintaining the aircraft% in% an%

airworthy condition,%including compliance with%part%39%and%43.%%Paragraphs%91.407%and

91.409%require that%the aircraft%be "approved%for return%to%service by a person%authorized%under

43.7" after%maintenance and%inspection.

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 PreOFlight%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 onOboard computer.%All%other%maintenance will be performed%by the manufacturer%or

their 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.

8900.227#Paragraph 16(c)(4) PIC#Medical.# and Paragraph 16(e)(1)#Observer Medical.#

This%policy provides%that both%the PIC%and%VO must%have a valid%FAA secondOclass%medical%certificate%

issued%under%part%67%in%order%to%perform as%a%pilot%or%observer.

Each UA’s maximum%gross weight%are%under%7lbs.,%are constructed%primarily%of,%plastic%and%carbon%fiber.%

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%commercial%pilot%carrying%passengers in%a%

large aircraft%is an%unnecessary burden.

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% n% see% and% avoid% air% traffic;% a% licensed% driver% is% medically% qualified% to% operate% a% much% larger%

vehicle.
MARK%R.%PAULSON – APPENDIX%A – FLIGHT%OPERATIONS%AND%PROCEDURES

APPENDIX#A#– FLIGHT OPERATIONS/PROCEDURES

UA’s%will%be%operated%under%the%following%flight%restrictions.%Restrictions%and%procedures are%the%same%

for%both%DJI%UA’s%in%this%request

OPERATIONAL#FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

As% per% FAA% POLICY% N% 8900.227% SECTION% 14% "OPERATIONAL% REQUIREMENTS% FOR% UAS" the% following%

guidelines%will%be%adhered%too.%Unless%notified%otherwise%by%the%FAA.

(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) In% the%event%of% operations%over%private property,%every%effort%will%be%made% to%notify%and%gain%

permission%of%the%property owner;

(e) The PIC%must have accumulated% and% logged,% in% a manner% consistent% with% 14% CFR%§% 61.51% (b),% 10%

hours%of%total%time as%a%UA%rotorcraft%pilot%and%at%least%5 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 UA’s will%not%be%operated%over%densely populated areas; without%prior%approval.

(h) The UA’s will%not%be%operated at%air%shows;

(i) The UA’s will%not%be%operated%over any openOair assembly of people without%prior%approval.%%

(j) The UA’s will%not%be%operated%over%heavily trafficked%roads; without%prior%approval.

(k) The UA’s will%not%be%operated within%5%NM%of an%airport%or%heliport; without%prior%approval.

(l) The UA’s will be restricted%to%day only operations%and%weather conditions%%%equivalent to%VFR;%

(m) The PIC%will brief%the VO%and%property owner about%the operation%and%any%risk operation.

(n) No%flight%may be made without%a%successful%PreOFlight Inspection%by the%PIC%before each%operation%

to%ascertain%that%the UA is%in%a condition%safe for%flight.

PRE9FLIGHT CHECKLIST

Prior%to%operation%preflight%checklists%provided%by%the%manufacturer%of%the%UA’s%will%be%followed.%%Below%

is%such%an%example.%

1. Remote%Controller,%smart%battery,%Range%Extender%and%smartphone%are%fully%charged.

2. Propellers%are%mounted%correctly.

3. Damping%absorbers%are%in%good%condition,%not%broken%or%worn.

4. Camera%lens%cap%has%been%removed.

5. MicroOSD%card%has%been%inserted%if%necessary.

6. Gimbal%is%functioning%as%normal.

7. Motors%can%start%and%are%functioning%as%normal.

8. DJI%App%can%connect%to%the%camera.
MARK%R.%PAULSON – APPENDIX%A – FLIGHT%OPERATIONS%AND%PROCEDURES

TAKE#OFF/LANDING#PROCEDURES#

Manufacturer%recommended%Takeoff%and%Landing%procedures%will%be%followed.%

Place%the%UA on%ground%with%the%battery%level%indicator%facing%you.

1. Power%on%the%remote%controller.

2. Power%on%the%range%extender.

3. Switch%the%camera%to%the%“WIFI%ON”%position.

4. Power%on%the%aircraft%by%turning%on%the%intelligent%battery

5. Connect%the%mobile%device%to%the%UA,%run%the%DJI%App%to%enter%the%camera%preview%page.

6. Wait%until%the%LED%flight%indicator%starts%to%slowly%blink%green/yellow.%This%means%the%aircraft%is%

initializing%and%entering%the%“Ready%to%Fly”/“Ready%to%Fly% (nonOGPS).”%state.%Then%proceed%to%

execute%the%CSC%command%to%start%motors.

7. Push%the%throttle%stick%up%slowly%to%lift%the%aircraft%off%the%ground.%

8. When%landing,%be%sure%to be%hovering%over%a%level%surface.%Pull%down%on%the%throttle%stick%

gently%to%descend%and%land.

9. After%landing%the%aircraft%on%the%ground,%keep%the%throttle%stick%at%its%lowest%position% for%

about%3%to%5%seconds%which%will%automatically%stop%the%motors.

FAILSAFE#FUNCTION

The% UA will% enter% Failsafe% mode% when% the% connection% from% the% remote% controller% is% lost.% The% flight%

control%system%will%automatically%control% the%aircraft% to% return% to%home%and%land% to% reduce%injuries%or%

damage.% The% following% situations% would% make% the% aircraft% fail% to% receive% a% signal% from% the% remote%

controller%and%enter%Failsafe%mode:

1. The%remote%controller%is%powered%off.

2. The%aircraft%has%flown%out%of%the%effective%communication%range%of%the%remote%controller.

3. There%is%an% obstacle% obstructing% the% signal% between% the% remote% controller%and% the% % aircraft,%

essentially%reducing%the%distance%the%signal%can%travel.

4. There%is%interference%causing%a%signal%problem%with%the%remote%controller.

Failsafe% works% differently% depending% on% the% mode% the% aircraft% is% in% when% Failsafe% mode% is% initiated%

whether%it%is%in%the%Ready%to%Fly%or%Ready%to%Fly%(nonOGPS)%mode.

Ready#to#Fly#(non9GPS)#9999 Automatic#landing

The%flight%control%system%will%try%to%keep%the%aircraft%level%during%descent%and%landing.%Note%that%the%

aircraft%may%be%drifting%during%descent%and%landing%process.

Ready#to#Fly#9999 Automatic#go#home#and#land

The% flight% control% system%will%automatically% control% the%aircraft% to% fly% back% to% the% home% point%and%

land.
MARK%R.%PAULSON%– APPENDIX%B%– DJI%PHANTOM%2%VISION +%USERS%MANUAL

APPENDIX#B – USER’S MANUAL#FOR#UA (DJI#Phantom#2#Vision +)

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MARK%R.%PAULSON%– APPENDIX%C%– DJI%INSPIRE%1%MANUAL

APPENDIX#C– USER’S#MANUAL#FOR#UA#(DJI#Inspire#1)

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