XWorks, Corporation

2626 Overcrest Ln. 

Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74066

December 22, 2014 

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Management System 

West Building Ground Floor, Room w12-140 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

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, XWorks, Corporation. (“XWorks”), the developer 

and operator of the XWORKS X-81 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“sUAS”) seeks 

an exemption from the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FARs”) listed below and 

discussed in Appendix A. Details of XWorks and the XWORKS X-81 sUAS are 

described in Appendix B. Attached as Appendix C is a summary of this request. 

The requested exemption would permit XWorks commercial operation of XWORKS X81 (see details in Appendix B), which weighs (7,428g) 17 lbs. with imaging payload, to 

perform market research, aerial surveys, mapping, and inspections that consist of still 

photographs, video, and other data taken by onboard sensors. The XWORKS X-81

produces high quality imagery and data that can be used independently. Applications for 

these sUASs include inspection of sensitive infrastructure including oil and gas pipelines 

and flare stacks, power lines and towers, wind turbines, and surveying tasks such as 

precision agriculture, mining, transportation, and forestry. Use of the XWORKS X-81 for 

these inspection and surveying applications reduces the need to operate conventional 

aircraft, providing data more quickly, accurately, economically, safely, and with reduced 

environmental impact. 

Operations under the exemption will be subject to strict operating requirements and 

conditions to ensure at least an equivalent level of safety to currently authorized 

operations using manned aircraft and under conditions as may be modified by the FAA as 

required by Section 333. 

As described more fully below, the requested exemption would authorize XWorks to 

perform market research and commercial operations of aerial inspections and survey 

using the XWORKS X-81, which at 17 lbs. is small in size and powered electrically by 

battery. The XWORKS X-81 will be operated under controlled conditions at low altitude 

in airspace that is limited in scope, as described more fully herein; it will have automated 

control features, as described below. The XWORKS X-81 is designed to be operated by 

one person but flight operations will involve two people: an operator and an observer. 

The operator is responsible for flying the sUAS, monitoring its status and flight dynamics 
while maintaining visual line of sight, and keeping the flight within the specified limits 

(in terms of wind, flight range, battery life, etc) to ensure safe operation of the sUAS 

itself. The observer is responsible for monitoring the airspace for other aircraft and 

hazards and instructing the operator before and during flight as necessary to ensure safe 

separation and possible conflict avoidance with these aircraft and hazards. The operator 

also will be an individual who has passed an authorized XWorks training program for the 

XWORKS X-81. The airspace that XWorks will operate its XWORKS X-81 in will be 

primarily Class G. 

XWorks respectfully submits that because this small, unmanned aerial system – the 

XWORKS X-81 – will be used in lieu of comparatively hazardous operations now 

conducted with fixed wing and rotary conventional aircraft, the FAA can have confidence 

that the operations will achieve at least an equivalent level or greater level of safety. 

Approval of this exemption would thereby enhance safety and fulfill the Secretary of 

Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibilities under Section 333(c) of the 

Reform Act to “establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in 

the national airspace system.” 

• The name and address of the applicant are: 

XWORKS, CORPORATION. 

Attn: Brian Meier

Ph: 918-851-5692 

Email: bbull789@gmail.com

Address: PO Box 9663 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74157

The primary contact for this application is: Brian Meier (same as above)

• The regulations from which the exemption is requested are as follows: 14 C.F.R. 

Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2) & (c); 14 

C.F.R. 91.103; 14 C.F.R. 91.109(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.319; 14 C.F.R. 91.119; 14 

C.F.R. 91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. 91.405(a); 14 C.F.R. 

91.407(a)(1); 14 C.F.R. 91.409(a)(2); 14 C.F.R. 91.417(a). 

• Appendix A discusses each rule listed above and explains why exemptions 

pursuant to the proposal set forth in this letter are appropriate, provide an 

equivalent level of safety, and are in the public interest. 

• XWorks request for exemption benefits the public as a whole due to the following

o The X-81 is safer than current means of performing the same tasks. The 

X-81 caries no fossil fuels and is thus less flammable. Traditionally some 

of the evaluative tasks that we will be performing with the X-81 require

risks to be taken by humans, such as climbing a ladder, to perform the 

evaluation. The inspections performed by XWorks X-81 will eliminate 

that risk by allowing the same observations to be performed remotely with 

all persons remaining on the ground.

o The X-81 will cause companies to operate more efficiently thereby 
reducing energy costs for the public. The X-81 will be able to inspect flare 

stacks without shutting them down. Traditionally this costs millions of 

dollars each year to inspect these flare stacks because the flare stacks 

themselves had to be shutdown for inspection which caused an 

interruption in production; this in turn causes a lack of efficient operation.

Additional efficiencies will be realized due to the lower cost of operation 

of the X-81 in comparison to the helicopter that is now used for these 

same inspections.

o Further evaluation of forest and grass fires for quicker extinguishment. 

The X-81 will perform research in remote areas for the purposes of 

detecting hotspots within grass and forest fires. This will ultimately assist 

fire fighters with the rapid extinguishment of fires reducing expenses to 

the general public and increasing safety for the general public.

o The X-81 will also be fitted for search and rescue in remote areas to 

further increase safety for the general public. The X-81 will assist in the 

search and rescue 

• XWorks would further like to request privileges in the exemption for operating 

outside of the United States. Our flare stack and well site inspection technology

would be very useful to the energy sector as well as to regulators all over the 

world. At this time, our customers are global; many of their well sites are located 

in Pakistan, Mexico, the Gulf Waters, and many other countries. XWorks would 

like to serve them in all locations.
THE APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARD UNDER SECTION 333 

XWorks submits that grant of this exemption application for use of the XWORKS X-81

in market research, surveying, mapping and inspection operations will advance the 

Congressional mandate in Section 333 of the Reform Act to accelerate the introduction of 

sUASs into the national airspace system (“NAS”) if it can be accomplished safely. This 

law directs the Secretary of Transportation to consider whether certain sUASs may 

operate safely in the NAS before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 

332 of the Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to 

determine which types of sUASs do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public 

or pose a threat to national security in light of the following: 

• The sUAS’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability; 

• Operation of the sUAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

• Operation of the sUAS within visual line of sight of the operator. 

Reform Act § 333(a)(1). If the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate 

safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the 

safe operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. §333(c) (emphasis 

added).

The Federal Aviation Act expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. 

This statutory authority, by its terms, includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is 

defined under §40101 of the Act, from the requirement that all civil aircraft must have a 

current airworthiness certificate and those regulations requiring commercial pilots to 

operate aircraft in commercial service: 

The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation 

prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702-44716 

of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption is in the public interest. 

49 U.S.C. §44701(f). See also 49 USC §44711(a); 49 USC §44704; 14 CFR 

§91.203(a)(1). 

The grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest based on the clear direction 

in Section 333 of the Reform Act; the additional authority in the Federal Aviation Act, as 

amended; the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations; and 

the significant public benefit, including enhanced safety and cost savings associated with 

transitioning to sUASs for aerial surveying, mapping and inspection applications. 

Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the requested 

exemption without delay. 
Mandatory Operating Conditions 

Grant of the exemption to XWorks will be subject to the following mandatory conditions, 

which are based upon operating conditions set forth for operation of sUAS by public 

entities pursuant to Certificates of Authorization, with additional restrictions: 

• All operations to occur in Class G airspace. 

• Operations to avoid congested or populated areas, which are depicted in yellow 

on VFR charts. 

• Permission from land owner/controller required before commencing any flight

over privately owned land.

• Operations to occur during Visual Flight Rules Meteorological Conditions 

(VMC). 

• Aircraft to remain within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). 

o VLOS guaranteed with a cylinder of operation around operator of 1/2

nautical miles (NM). 

o Cylinder walls may be expanded by an observer with ability to control 

aircraft. 

• Operations to occur between morning civil twilight and evening civil twilight. 

• Above Ground Level (AGL) altitude to be restricted to 400 feet. 

• All operations conducted in 5 nautical miles of airport to remain more than 2.5 

NM from centerline azimuth of runway centerline measured from runway 

thresholds.

• Operator will file a NOTAM for each flight occurring within 5 nautical miles of 

an airport. 

• All operations will include one pilot for flight control and one observer for VLOS 

enhancement of surrounding area near the aircraft 
Operator Requirements 

XWorks respectfully proposes that operator requirements should take into account the 

characteristics of the particular sUAS. Certain sUASs, such as the XWORKS X-81, are 

characterized by a high degree of pre-programmed control and various built-in technical 

capabilities that limit the potential for operation outside of the operating conditions set 

forth above. The XWORKS X-81 sUAS also provides many built-in functional and 

safety features to assist the operator in safe and reliable operation.

The XWORKS X-81 provides one semi-autonomous flight mode using a point-and-click 

map. At all times during flight operations, the operator can intervene a programmed flight 

and take immediate control.

Additional automated safety functions and safety enhancing features of the XWORKS X81 include the following: 

• Automated pre-flight system performance checks 

• User pre-flight checklist 

• Automated condition or fault detection, warnings, and pre-defined responses to a 

number of flight and system conditions. 

o Low battery with system and user defined safety thresholds 

o Lost-link communication 

• In the case of lost GPS, a manual user flight mode is enabled which allows the 

operator to provide manual navigation inputs to assist in landing the vehicle. 

• Operators of the XWORKS X-81 will be required to:

o Hold at least a private pilot certification

o Have completed XWorks’ authorized training program for operation and 

maintenance of the sUAS. 

In summary, XWorks seeks an exemption from the FARs set forth above and in 

Appendix C to allow market research and commercial operations of a small unmanned 

vehicle in surveying, mapping and inspection operations. 

Approval of the exemption allowing commercial operations of the XWORKS X-81 for 

surveying, mapping and inspection operations will enhance safety by reducing risk. 

Conventional aerial survey and inspection operations using manned aircraft involve very 

heavy aerial vehicles carrying significant quantities of combustible fuels, and a 

multi-person crew in piloting and observation roles. These operations require transit to 

and from the location of the activity, and often take place in congested environments 

including proximity to physical obstacles and/or presence of the general public. By 

contrast, the XWORKS X-81 weighs 17 lbs including payloads and uses a battery for 

power, is carried to/from the area of activity, removes the need for airborne 

pilots/observers, and poses less risk to people and infrastructure on the ground. 

Additionally, no national security issue is raised by the grant of the requested 

exemptions. Given the size, load carrying capacity, speed at which it operates, and the 

fact that it carries no explosives or other dangerous materials, the XWORKS X-81 poses 
no threat to national security. 

The operation of the XWORKS X-81 for market research, surveying, mapping and 

inspection operations in accordance with the strict conditions outlined above, will provide 

an equivalent level of safety supporting the grant of the exemptions requested herein, 

including exempting XWorks from the requirements of Part 21. 

The XWORKS X-81’s satisfaction of the criteria set forth in Section 333 of the Reform 

Act—size, weight, speed, operating capabilities, lack of proximity to airports and 

populated areas, operation within visual line of sight, and national security - provide 

adequate justification for the grant of the requested exemptions allowing XWorks

commercial operation of the XWORKS X-81 in market research, surveying, mapping and 

inspection operations. 

Very truly yours, 

Brian Meier

XWorks, Corporation. 
APPENDIX A 

EXEMPTION REQUEST AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY SHOWINGS 

UNDER APPLICABLE RULES SUBJECT TO EXEMPTION 

XWorks requests an exemption from the following regulations as well as any additional 

regulations that may technically apply to the operation of the XWORKS X-81: 

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

Section 91.203(a)(1) requires all civil aircraft to have a certificate of airworthiness. Part 

21, 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 of the aircraft (17 lbs.) and the limited operating area 

associated with its utilization, it is unnecessary to go through the certificate of 

airworthiness process under Part 21 Subpart H to achieve or exceed current safety levels. 

Such an exemption meets the requirements of an equivalent level of safety under Part 11 

and Section 333 of the Reform Act. The Federal Aviation Act and Section 333 of the 

Reform Act 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 sUAS involved. 

In this case, an analysis of these criteria demonstrates that the XWORKS X-81 operated 

without an airworthiness certificate, under the conditions proposed herein, will be at least 

as safe, or safer, than a conventional aircraft (fixed wing or rotorcraft) with an 

airworthiness certificate. The XWORKS X-81 weighs 17 lbs. fully loaded. It will not 

carry a pilot or passenger, will not carry flammable fuel, and will operate exclusively 

within an area pre-disclosed and in compliance with conditions set forth herein. 

Operations under this exemption will be tightly controlled and monitored by both the 

operator, pursuant to the conditions set forth above, and by local public safety 

requirements. The FAA will have advance notice of all operations through the filing of 

NOTAMs. Receipt of the prior permission of the land owner, the size of the aircraft, the 

lack of flammable fuel, and the fact that the aircraft is carried to the location and not 

flown there all establish the equivalent level of safety. 

14 C.F.R. § 45.23 & 91.9(c): Marking of the Aircraft 

Regulation 45.23 provides: (a) Each operator of an aircraft must display on that aircraft 

marks consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” (denoting United States registration) 

followed by the registration number of the aircraft. Each suffix letter used in the marks 

displayed must also be a Roman capital letter. (b) When marks include only the Roman 

capital letter “N” and the registration number is displayed on limited, restricted or 

light-sport category aircraft or experimental or provisionally certificated aircraft, the 

operator must also display on that aircraft near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or 

pilot station, in letters not less than 2 inches nor more than 6 inches high, the words 

“limited,” “restricted,” “light-sport,” “experimental,” or “provisional,” as applicable. 
Regulation 91.9(c) provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft unless 

that aircraft is identified in accordance with part 45 of this chapter. 

The XWORKS X-81 has no entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station on which the 

markings can be placed. Given the size of the sUAS, two-inch lettering will be 

impossible. Official marking systems for small UAS have not yet been established for 

operations inside the NAS. XWorks is prepared to mark the inspection system with the 

name of the organization and location or origin and fulfill any other request by the FAA 

to this topic in accordance to § 45.29(f) where the pilot, observer, and others working 

with the sUAS will see the identification of the sUAS. 

The FAA has issued the following exemptions to this regulation, see Exemption Nos. 

8738, 10167, 10167A and 10700. 

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

This regulation requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in 

airworthy condition. Should the exemption be granted allowing commercial operation of 

the XWORKS X-81 without an airworthiness certificate, no standard will exist for 

airworthiness of the XWORKS X-81. Given the size of the aircraft an equivalent level of 

safety will be achieved by ensuring compliance with the XWorks checklists and 

manufacturers manuals prior to each flight. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.9(b)(2): Civil Aircraft Flight Manual in the Aircraft. 

The regulation provides: No person may operate a U.S.-registered civil aircraft ... 

(2) For which an Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual is not required by §21.5 of this 

chapter, unless there is available in the aircraft a current approved airplane or Rotorcraft 

Flight Manual, approved manual material, markings, and placards, or any combination 

thereof. 

Given the size and configuration of the XWORKS X-81, it has no ability or place to carry 

such a flight manual on the aircraft, not only because there is no pilot on board, but 

because there is no room or capacity to carry such an item on the aircraft. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping the user manual (see, e.g., 

User Manual, Exhibit 1) at the ground control point where the pilot flying the sUAS will 

have immediate access to it. The FAA has issued to others the following exemptions to 

this regulation: Exemption Nos. 8607, 8737, 8738, 9299, 9299A, 9565, 9565B, 10167, 

10167A, 10602, 32827, and 10700. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight action 

This regulation requires each pilot in command to take certain actions before flight to 

insure the safety of flight. As FAA approved rotorcraft flight manuals will not be 

provided for the aircraft an exemption will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will 

be provided as set forth in the XWORKS X-81 User Manual (exhibit 1) and XWork’s 
checklist under the ‘Before Takeoff’ section. The PIC will take all actions including 

reviewing weather, flight battery requirements, landing and takeoff distances and aircraft 

performance data before initiation of flight. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a) & 91.319(a)(1): Flight Instruction 

These regulations provide that no person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned 

free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully 

functioning dual controls. 

The XWORKS X-81 is a remotely piloted aircraft and by design, does not have fully 

functional dual controls. Flight control is accomplished through the use of a control box 

that communicates with the aircraft via radio communications. The flight plan is either 

manually controlled through point-and-click touchscreen navigation or pre-programmed 

as way points or an AutoGrid into the auto pilot before or during flight and only in 

unusual circumstances will the pilot input control functions to alter the pre-programmed 

flight. If instruction is accomplished through a training program, as set forth in Exhibit 2, 

an equivalent level of safety will be assured. The FAA has approved exemptions for 

flight training without fully functional dual controls for a number of aircraft and for flight 

instruction in experimental aircraft. See Exemption Nos. 5778K & 9862A. The equivalent 

level of safety will be achieved by the manufacturer providing the training as outlined, 

for example, in Exhibit 2 and through the use of experienced and qualified pilots familiar 

with the XWORKS X-81. 

14 CFR § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes 

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Specifically, 

91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 

feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, 

the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or 

structure. 

As set forth herein, the XWORKS X-81 will never operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. 

Because aerial survey, mapping and inspection work must be accomplished at relatively 

low altitudes and at altitudes less than 500 feet AGL, an exemption from Section 

91.119(c) is needed. 

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed, and material 

with which the XWORKS X-81 is built. Also, no flight will be taken without the 

permission of the land owner or those who control the land. Because of the advance 

notice to the landowner, all affected individuals will be aware of the flights. Compared to 

aerial survey operations conducted with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than 17 

lbs. and carrying flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations will be far less 

than those currently allowed with conventional aircraft operating at or below 500 feet 

AGL. Indeed, the low-altitude operations of the sUAS will maintain separation between 

these sUAS operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with 

Section 91.119. 
14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions 

This regulation prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under VFR 

conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel 

to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed – (1) 

During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for 

at least 45 minutes.” 

The XWORKS X-81 batteries provide approximately 50 minutes of powered flight.

Without an exemption from § 14 CFR 91.151, the sUAS’s flights would be limited to 

approximately 20 minutes in length. Given the limitations on its proposed operations and 

the location of those proposed operations, a longer time frame for flight in daylight VFR 

conditions is reasonable. 

XWorks believes that an exemption from 14 CFR § 91.151(a) is safe and within the 

scope of a prior exemption. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin 

Corporation to operate without compliance with 91.151(a)). Operating the sUAS, without 

30 minutes of reserve fuel does not engender the type of risks that Section 91.151(a) was 

meant to prevent given the size and speed at which the sUAS operates. The fact that it 

carries no pilot, passenger, or cargo also enhances its safety. Additionally, limiting 

XWORKS X-81 flights to 20 minutes would greatly reduce their utility. In the unlikely 

event that the XWORKS X-81 should run out of fuel, it would simply land. Given its 

weight and construction material, the risks are less than contemplated by the current 

regulation. 

XWorks believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by maintaining 10 

minutes of reserve fuel, which, allowing 40 minutes of flight time, would be more than 

adequate to return the sUAS to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its operating 

area. 

The FAA has granted similar exemptions to others, including Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 

10673 and 10808. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.203 (a) & (b): Carrying Civil Aircraft Certification and Registration 

This regulation provides as follows: 

(a) ... no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has ... an appropriate and current 

airworthiness certificate. (b) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless the 

airworthiness certificate required by paragraph (a) of this section or a special flight 

authorization issued under §91.715 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it 

is legible to passengers or crew. 

The XWORKS X-81 fully loaded weighs approximately 17 lbs. As such, there is no 

ability or place to carry certification and registration documents or to display them on the 

sUAS. In addition, there is no pilot on board the aircraft. 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by keeping these documents at the ground 
control point where the pilot flying the sUAS will have immediate access to them. The 

FAA has issued numerous exemptions to this regulation. A representative sample of other 

exceptions includes Exemption Nos. 9565, 9665, 9789, 9789A, 9797, 9797A, 9816A, and 

10700. 

14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a); 407(a)(1); 409(a)(2); 417(a): Maintenance Inspections 

Section 91.405(a) requires that an aircraft operator or owner “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 ...” Section 91.407 similarly makes reference to 

requirements in Part 43; Section 91.409(a)(2) requires an annual inspection for the 

issuance of an air worthiness certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or operator 

to keep records showing certain maintenance work that has been accomplished by 

certificated mechanics, under Part 43, or licensed pilots and records of approval of the 

aircraft for return to service. 

The XWORKS X-81 is nearly maintenance free, it performs automatic pre-flight checks 

and the failure of any check will prevent take-off. Checks which cannot be done by the 

system will be performed by a qualified person prior to each flight and at predefined 

intervals as part of the Maintenance Schedule in the User Manual (see Exhibit 1). 

Pre-flight checklist includes: 1.Visual inspection of the airframe 2.Visual inspections of 

rotor integrity 3.Check charge of all batteries (aerial vehicle, command station, radio 

repeater station) 

An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because the sUAS is small in size, will 

operate only in restricted predetermined areas, and is not a complex mechanical devise. 

As provided in the attached User Guide (System Maintenance section), the operator of 

XWORKS X-81 will ensure that the sUAS is in working order prior to initiating flight, 

perform required maintenance, and keep a log of any maintenance that is performed. 

Moreover, the operator is the person most familiar with the aircraft and is best suited to 

maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition and to ensure an equivalent level of safety. 

The XWORKS X-81’s Maintenance guidelines ensure an equivalent level of safety to the 

maintenance requirements in Part 91. In addition, any component failure detectable by 

the system will be reported to the control station and will cause the UAV to perform a 

Fatal Condition Response (FCR) or Non-Fatal Conditioned Response (NFCR), depending 

on the type of failure. 
APPENDIX B 

SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 

XWorks Corporate Overview: XWorks, Corporation is a United Staes company located 

in Tulsa, Oklahoma. XWorks is focused on providing unmanned aerial systems and is a

technology leader in this space. 

XWORKS X-81 Overview: The XWORKS X-81 can carry payloads up to 15 lbs. The 

XWORKS X-81 flies with a maximum wind threshold of 35 M.P.H. for sustained winds 

and wind gusts up to 45 M.P.H.. What is unique about the XWORKS X-81 is the system 

automatically compensates for wind versus relying on the operator’s ‘sense of feel’ for 

what the impact of the wind is at the altitude the system is flying. The end result is a 

system capable of gathering high quality aerial intelligence at much higher wind 

thresholds. A trait that is imperative for many aerial inspection operations. 

The XWORKS X-81 has an operational range of up to 3 km (1.6 NM) with the standard 

offering and up to 5 km (2.7 NM). 

All flight operations are GPS controlled making the system extremely easy to navigate. 

At any point if the operator is not explicitly commanding the system to move, the system 

automatically holds its GPS position (i.e. GPS hold for reliable location hover). Camera 

positioning is also GPS controlled allowing for the most sophisticated camera targeting 

available. The flight control system employs not only GPS positioning but a variety of 

sensors including sonar, barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed and others to 

ensure the most stability of any system in its class-regardless of the wind. 

The XWORKS X-81 can be operated in both semi and fully autonomous flight modes. 

Creating preplanned flight paths to fly in autonomous mode is as simple as clicking on 

the map to create a preplanned flight path. In semi-autonomous mode, the operator clicks 

on the map and the XWORKS X-81 automatically flies to the point on the map where the 

operator is pointing. Pre-mission waypoints, Landing zone points and flight area 

dimensions can all be entered during preflight ensuring the XWORKS X-81 operates 

only within specified parameters. 

The XWORKS X-81 includes many advanced safety features that makes the XWORKS 

X-81 the safest choice for both urban and non-urban environments. Built-in intelligent 

fault handling allows the XWORKS X-81 to detect a system fault while in the air, and to 

automatically fly back to its take-off location and land. Faults that can be detected 

include: loss of communication; and low battery levels. In addition, the operator can 

create no fly zones or maximum flight ranges and altitudes so the system cannot enter 

areas deemed unsafe or unnecessary to fly over. And before every take-off automated 

flight checks ensure the system is flight ready before it takes off. 

The XWORKS X-81 can be operated entirely by a touch-screen, map based interface. 

This means the operator only needs to command the system where to go, and the system 

does all the flying for the operator. Maps can be saved and flight plans can be made or 
recalled with no internet connection required. 

XWORKS X-81 Operating Manual - System user manual available upon request. 

Physical Characteristics Measurements – 134 cm diameter deployed, 46 cm height 

Weight (with payload) – 7.71 Kg (17.0 lbs) 

Fuel – Lithium polymer batteries are self-contained high duration systems with 

“SMART” intelligence on-board. This includes cycle charge times, locations, GPS 

antenna, chemical management, and real-time data feeds to ensure maximum flight 

duration and sub-system safety processes. Charging is done in the included XWorks

Battery charger and can be charged via standard wall outlet, or via a vehicle. 

Landing style/type – Autonomous vertical lift 

Propulsion System 

● Engines – The XWORKS X-81 is powered by 8 electric brushless DC motors. 

● Batteries – Lithium polymer batteries are self-contained high duration systems 

with SMART intelligence on-board. This includes cycle charge times, locations, 

GPS antenna, chemical management, and real-time data feeds to ensure maximum 

flight duration and sub-system safety processes. Charging is done in the included 

XWorks Battery charger and can be charged via standard wall outlet, or via a 

vehicle. Performance Characteristics 

● Maximum Altitude – 12,000 ft MSL (operated no higher than 400 feet 

AGL). 

● Maximum Endurance – 50 minutes 

● Maximum Range – 3 km 

● Weather Minimums - Day VFR only

● Winds Maximum – 40 MPH sustained, 45 mph gusts 

● Minimum cloud ceiling: 500 ft 

● Minimum visibility: 1 SM 

● Icing conditions – no icing conditions 

● Precipitation – no visible moisture Maintenance – The UAS is nearly 

maintenance free, it performs automatic pre-flight checks and the failure 

of any check will prevent take-off. Checks which cannot be done by the 

system will be performed by a qualified person prior to each flight. 

Pre-flight checklist includes: 
● Visual inspection of the airframe 

● Visual inspections of rotor integrity 

● Check charge of all batteries (aerial vehicle, command station, radio repeater 

station) Reliability – The system is designed for maximum reliability and to 

maintain performance over its life. The only components experience routine wear 

are rotors, batteries, motors, and legs. Battery and motor conditions are monitored 

by the system with deviations reported to the operator. Contact with other objects 

during flight may cause other components, particularly rotors, and motor arms, to 

become damaged. Damaged components are likely to be detected during the full 

visual inspection of the airframe performed before each flight. Structural damage 

affecting flight characteristics will be detected by on-board sensors. The UAV 

system detects numerous conditions which may make flying unsafe, such as 

reduced GPS accuracy, magnetic anomalies, low battery charge, battery cell 

imbalances, temperature fluctuations. Automatic pre-flight checks prevent the 

UAV from taking off if such conditions are present; or, if the condition is detected 

during flight, the system will trigger a Fatal Conditioned Response. Fault 

Tolerance - The key feature of the UAV fault tolerance is its mechanical 

simplicity. It uses four fixed pitched rotors, each mounted on a separate motor. No 

control surfaces or other actuators are required for the UAS to fly. Any 

component failure detectable by the system will be reported to the control station 

and will cause the UAV to perform a Fatal Condition Response (FCR) or 

Non-Fatal Conditioned Response (NFCR), depending on the type of failure. 

Command and Control Systems The XWORKS X-81 Ground Control station 

allows the operator simultaneous control over aircraft and payloads. The touch 

screen control allows for quick navigation and data entry while the display screen 

provides all essential flight data to the operator. Telemetry data is transmitted to 

the command station at least once per second. Displayed on GCS: 

● UAS Position 

● Navigation Route 

● UAS Tail Number 

● UAS Position 

● UAS Altitude 

● UAS Heading 

● North Seeking Arrow 

● Range to Target 

● Calculated target position 
● Date/time 

● Sensor heading and orientation relative to UAS On-board Flight 

Instruments – The UAV is equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (3-axis 

gyroscope, 3-axis magnetometer, GPS receiver, and static pressure sensor). 

On–board computer systems – The UAS is equipped on-board computer systems to 

monitor (sensors, battery, etc.), control (speeds, altitude, position, etc.), and communicate 

(control, telemetry, etc.). 

On-board guidance and navigation equipment – The UAS can operate autonomously; 

it does not require any input from ground-based equipment, or from the pilot to hover in 

place. 

Takeoff and Landing – The XWORKS X-81 has vertical lift autonomous launch and 

recovery. A Landing Zone “LZ” is designated by the operators and identified in the GCS 

software. For launch procedures the aircraft will takeoff and hover 3 meters directly 

above the LZ and hold until further operator instruction is given. The aircraft will 

automatically adjust for wind during this period. 

Navigation System – Specific maps can be downloaded to the display screen (such as air 

sectional and geographic maps), which are overlaid with GPS positional data. Waypoints 

can be created before and during flight operation creating specific locations and 

sequences for the aircraft. 

Redundant Systems – The UAS combines the input from a multitude of sensors. Even 

though the data from all sensors is required for optimal system performance, a single 

sensor malfunction is likely to result in degraded performance rather than leading to a 

catastrophic failure. 

Emergency Procedures and System Failures Failure Handling – The UAS has 

extensive failure detection and handling capabilities. All failures are deeded to be either 

fatal or non-fatal. Failures classified as fatal result in a Fatal Condition Response (FCR); 

and failures classified as non-fatal result in a Non-Fatal Condition Response (NFCR). 

Sensor Failure – Failure of on-board flight instruments/sensors will degrade the UAS 

performance and will result in either a FCR or a NFCR, depending on their severity. If 

the UAS becomes unstable due to sensor failure, it will stop all four motors and free fall 

to avoid a fly away condition. 

Motor Failure – The UAS flight performance will degrade significantly if one or more 

motors fails. Airframe Failure – If airframe is damaged in ways that impacts flight 

characteristics, the UAS will behave similar to if an on-board flight instrument failed. 

Navigation System Failure – In a navigation system failure, degraded GPS will result in 

FCR or NFCR ‘s depending on failures. 

Power Failure – A complete battery failure which results in power loss to the UAS will 
result in degraded flight performance. 

Low Battery Condition – Operator will be alerted of a low battery condition and will 

land the aircraft as soon as able. 

Low Battery Condition – Operator will be alerted of a low battery condition and will 

land the aircraft as soon as able. 

Line-of-Sight Loss – All flight operations will be conducted with the UAS within visual 

sight of the pilot. If the pilot’s view becomes obstructed and line-of-sight is lost, the pilot 

may instruct the UAS to hover in place until line-of-sight is reestablished, to return to the 

take-off position, or to land at the current position. 
APPENDIX C 

SUMMARY OF XWORKS SECTION 333 EXEMPTION REQUEST 

XWorks hereby provides pursuant to Part 11 a summary of its exemption application to 

allow commercial operation of the XWORKS X-81 small-unmanned system in market 

research, precision aerial survey work, mapping and inspections. An exemption is 

requested from the following regulations: 

14 C.F.R. Part 21; 14 C.F.R. 45.23(b); 14 C.F.R. 91.7(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.9(b)(2) & (c); 14 

C.F.R. 91.103; 14 C.F.R. 91.109(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.319; 14 C.F.R. 91.119; 14 C.F.R. 

91.151(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.203(a) & (b); 14 C.F.R. 91.405(a); 14 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1); 14 

C.F.R. 91.409(a)(2); 14 C.F.R. 91.417(a).