Lee C Tennison

Stark Aerial Photography

1406 Nickerson Ave

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

In order to conduct business safely, we have broken our safety guidelines down to three parts: 

Operator Safety, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Safety Features, and Public Awareness. 

First, Operator Safety will be achieved by following all FAA guidelines, as well as the use of a spotter 

with many years’ experience in UAS flight. We (Stark Aerial Photography), use short frequency radios for 

constant communication so both parties can see the UAS from different angles. Further, Visual Line of 

sight (VLOS) will be maintained at all points of times, most of the time by the pilot and by the spotter as 

well. If VLOS cannot be kept, then the job will be deemed unsafe, and not completed. 

Next, the UAS being used is the Q500 Typhoon, Made by Yuneec. This particular model has many 

built in features to ensure safe flight, (UAS information enclosed). The built in GPS will prevent startups 

when within 5 miles of most airports, and the UAS is preprogramed to never exceed 398 feet. If signal is 

lost between the transmitter and UAS, the built in GPS will automatically return the UAS to the 

transmitters last known location. Its top speed is 15.5 miles per hour, but is adjustable. We plan to fly 

approximately 7 miles per hour for most shoots. On top of these many safety features, we have installed 

an aftermarket safety parachute and a small item that emits a loud chirp. 

Finally, the best way to prevent any harm to structures is a clear flight path, but the best way to 

prevent injury to people is Public Awareness. We plan on using signs, flashing lights, and even caution 

tape in certain scenarios. In a situation where we might need to cross into a neighbor’s property, 

consent will be gotten in advance from said neighbor. 

Additionally, the UAS will undergo several checks before each flight. These include checking the 

propellers for nicks or damages, looking it over in general, as well as a preflight check on my property 

before leaving to operate at any other location. The UAS will also be maintained in between work days;

this maintenance will include propeller balancing, connecting the UAS up to a computer to perform a full 

system check, and checking each motor for any problems or issues. 

Along with looking over the aircraft, as well as all the other tests listed above, the UAS will be flown 

and undergo an all direction test, as well as GPS stability and Wi-Fi signal strength checks. This will be 

done in an area with zero risk to property or persons. This test will be performed daily to ensure proper 

safety with the UAS. 

The UAS controller (ST-10) uses 10-channel 2.4GHz with 5.8GHz video link. Both the UAS and 

controller use GNSS an GLONASS GPS to maintain additional location information. We carefully review 
all no-fly zones, and do not operate anywhere near known smaller airports. We have maps of every 

known airport in the area. In addition, we will discuss any questionable issues with the local airport staff. 

The Pilot in Command (PIC) has over 15 years of experience with various aerial remote control 

devices, and 4 years of experience with various UAS’s. Total UAS flight time is between 275-350 hours. 

The particular UAS that will be used for the company has been flown between 50 to 75 hours. 2-3 hours 

a day, weather permitting. The PIC has no known medical issues that could affect flight performance. 

The PIC does wear corrective lenses. 

In regards to the business, the UAS will be used to photograph properties, including homes, family 

portraits, and general view pictures. None of these shots will require the UAS to be any closer than 50 

feet from target location. Family portraits may require a low altitude for some shots, but most of the 

property shots will be taken above 100 feet, allowing plenty of time to deploy the safety parachute. 

Most property shoots will be in a rural location and not near crowded areas. If there is no safe place to 

fly or the PIC cannot find a safe flight path, the photos will not be taken. With the many safety features, 

chance of serious harm is minimal. 

Most of our target audience will be realtors, meaning most home locations will be unoccupied. In 

addition most of our surrounding communities are farming land properties, allowing for much safer 

operations if an accident were to happen due to low populations and lack of obstacles. Power lines will 

always be a safety hazard but carefully surveying takeoff and landing areas, as well as staying well above 

any obstacles, will help ensure safe operations in all areas. 

In conclusion, Stark Aerial Photography’s safety guidelines, safety checks, and the nature of our 

business outlined in this petition allow our use of UAS to be as safe and responsible as possible. Stark 

Aerial Photography will continue to maintain current and effective safety measures and will 

continuously review and revise any and all safety guidelines and safety checks to remain in accordance 

to FAA regulations.