14812 N. 60 th St | Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | ( 301)266

- 2011 | Doug@RevolutionUAS.com

May 27, 2015

U.S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Petition of Revolution UAS, LLC for an Exemption Pursuant to

Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

Dear Sir or Madam:

Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 ("Reform

Act") and 14 C.F.R. Part 11

, Revolution UAS, LLC, hereby applies for an exemption from the

Federal Aviation Regulations ("FARs") identified below, to allow commerc ial operations of

small unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., "small unmanned aircraft" or "UAS").

This exemption is made based on the information in this petition, as well as the

a ccompanying Revolution UAS Operations, Maintenance and Safety Manual ("Operation s

Manual") Petitioner submits this supporting material as confidential documents under 14 C.F.R.

§ 11.35(b), as they contain confidential commercial and proprietary information that the

Petitioner has not and will not share with others. Similarly, these d ocuments contain operating

conditions and procedures that are not available to the public and are protected from release

under the Freedom of I nformation Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552 et seq., and any other requirements

established by the FAA pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act.

This exemption request will permit Revolution UAS LLC, to operator commercially for

the purpose of collecting aerial photography and videography used to support a broad variety of

inspection and ground truth operations.

We reque st a summary grant, as we have designed our petition, operations, and chosen

UAV to not set precedent over previously approved exemptions.

For your convenience, the petition is organized as follows:

I. Description of Petitioner

II. Public Interest

III. Relevant St atutory Authority

IV. Revolution UAS Proposed UAS Operations Meet The Requirements Of Section 333

Of The Reform Act

V. Regulations f

rom w hich e xemption is r equested and equivalent level of safetya. 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H

- Airworthiness Certificates and 14 C. F.R. § 91.203

b. 14 C.F.R. Part 27 Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft

c. 14 C.F.R. § § 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a): Aircraft Marking and Identification

Requirements

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

e. 14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 203 ( a) & ( b ) : C arr y i ng C i v i l Ai rcra f t C e r t i fi c a ti on and

R eg i s t r a ti o n

. f. 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Airworthiness

g. 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action

h. 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a): Flight Instruction

i. 14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

j. 14 C. F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

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

l. 14 C.F.R. § 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance

Inspections

m. 14 CFR § 61.113 Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations

VI. D rug and Alcohol Policy

VII. Privacy

VIII. Federal Register Summary

IX. Conclusion

I. D escription of Petitioner

Revolution UAS LLC. “ Revolution UAS ”

, is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ and was

founde d by two military veterans with significant military and civilian aviation experience

. Revolution UAS s eeks th e requested exemptions in order to provide optical and thermal sensor

data acquired from UAS platforms to perform light industrial inspection

, survey and ground truth

photography and videography

.

Revolution UAS employs a DJI s900 with 3D Robotics Pixhaw k flight controller. A

complete description of the system is included in the attached operations manual. The S900 has

received approval for use in Exemption 11326 (PPL Electric Utilities Corp), and Exemption

11400 (McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP). Our propos ed use is similar in all material respects as

those being used in Exemption Nos. 11062, 11109, 11112, and 11213.

II. Public Interest

Revolution UAS has performed significant market research, partnering with local

companies to understand and leverage the util ity of unmanned systems to reduce risk, cost and

improve efficiency. As described below, the requested exemption would authorize Revolution

UAS to perform commercial UAS operations within the NAS that will provide the following

benefits:

a. Commercial use of UAS to perform aerial data gathering in support of the

following industries: Construction site photography and mapping , precisionagriculture, pipeline/power line transmission/distribution towers, tower

inspection , manmade/natural disaster damage ass essment, support to first

responders, security, construction, research, wildlife and wildfire monitoring, rea l

estate, local infrastructure such as bridges , surveying, scientific studies, insurance

functions, training, mining and UAS research and developme nt. All of these

activities are critical to the well

- being of the general public.

b. The use of an UAS provides much improved data for decision making. The

technical combination of platform, sensor and software, allows us to rapidly

acquire and organize da ta that previously had to be obtained by manned

inspection, such as roof or tower inspection.

c. The use of UAS will decrease congestion in the NAS along with reducing the

noise/air pollution generated during traditional manned aircraft flight operations.

Many of the operations proposed in this petition for exemption are currently

achieved by aircraft or rotorcraft flying at low altitudes.

d. Operation of UAS may substantially reduce the risk to life and property by

performing missions that are currently b eing performed by manned aircraft that

are considered dangerous (i.e., transmission tower inspections or operating in

extreme terrain or weather conditions). In the absence of a UAS, many of

these inspections would have to be carried out by a helicopter or by sending

someone up to perform the inspection manually. Utility inspections by

helicopter are carried out at speed up to 70 knots, and the consequences of a

wire strike or other collision is much greater than with the UAS. Moreover,

conducting helicop ter inspections at certain locations, such as substations

where several transmission lines converge, carry additional risks to

helicopters

.

Petitioner’s Address:

Doug Andriuk

14812 N. 60 th St

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

doug@revolutionuas.com

II. Relevant Statu tory Authority

This petition for exemption is submitted in accordance with the Section 333(a) through (c)

of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Congress has directed the FAA "to safely

accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft syste ms into the national airspace system."

Pursuant to Section 333 of the Reform Act, the FAA Administrator is to permit unmanned

aircraft systems to operate in the National Airspace System ("NAS") where it is safe to do so

based on the following consideration s:

 The UAS's size, weight, speed, and operational capability; Operation of the UAS in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

 Operation of the UAS within the visual line of sight of the operator.

Additionally, the FAA Administrator has gener al authority to grant exemptions from its

safety regulations and minimum standards when the Administrator decides a requested

exemption is in the public interest. See 49 U.S.C. § 106(f) (defining the authority of the

Administrator); 49 U.S.C. § 44701(f) (p ermitting exemptions from§§ 44701(a), (b) and§§

44702

- 44716, et seq.). A party requesting an exemption must explain the reasons why the

exemption: (1) would benefit the public as a whole, and (2) would not adversely affect safety (or

how it would provide a level of safety at least equal to the existing rules). See 14 C.F.R. § 11.81

(petitions for exemption).

III. Revolution UAS’ Proposed UAS Operations Meet the Requirements of

Section 333 of the Reform Act.

The proposed operations in this petition for exemptio n qualify for expedited

approval under Section 333 of the Reform Act. Each of the statutory criteria and other

relevant factors are satisfied.

a. Approval is Warranted Based on the UAS's Size, Weight, Speed, and

Operational Capability

Revolution UAS wi ll employ the DJI S

- 900 for its infrastructure inspection

operations

. This UAS has a maximum take

- off weight of 24 pounds. The UAS's flight

speed will not exceed 30 miles per hour, and it will not be flown in controlled airspace

or at an altitude that exc eeds 400 feet AGL. All flights will be flown in such a way that

they can be s afely terminated with a reserve battery power of 25% maximum charge.

The DJI S

- 900 do not carry any flammable propellant or fuel.

The DJI S

- 900 also has redundant motor capabil ities, and the vehicle is still

capable of flight in the event a motor fails unexpectedly. The vehicle is capable of

compensating for an engine loss automatically and action is not required by the PIC.

The DJI S

- 900 also ha s features that can alert the PIC to the possibility of a lost

link before it occurs. Because the video link is at a shorter wavelength than the control

links, it is more susceptible to loss than the control link. Loss of the video signal warns

the PIC that action should be taken to ensure continued control. In the event the control

link is lost, the UAS is also equipped with a failsafe setting that permits the vehicle to

return to a preselected home point.

Given the small size of the selected UAS and the restricted environment with in

which they will operate, this petition for exemption falls within the zone of safety, i.e.,

an equivalent level of safety, in which Congress directed the FAA to permit commercial

UAS operations by exemption pending completion of formal rulemaking.b

. Approval is Warranted Based on the Operational Restrictions Set Forth

in the Operations Manual

The Revolution UAS Operations Manual and manufacturer's maintenance and flight

manuals contain all of the procedures and limitations necessary to successfull y perform the

proposed operation

. To assist the FAA in its safety assessment of Revolution UAS’s

operations

, below is a summary of operational limitations and conditions which will ensure

an equivalent or higher level of safety for operations conducted und er current regulatory

guidelines:

1. The UAS will adhere to it published maximum takeoff weight as outlined in in

the operations manual

.

2. The radio frequencies used for operations and control of the UAS will comply

with the Federal Communications Commiss ion ("FCC") or other appropriate

government oversight agency requirements.

3. Minimum crew for each operation will consist of a pilot, who will be Pilot

- in

Command ("PIC") of the UAS, and one or more Visual Observers (" VO ")

necessary to safely conduct the m ission.

4. The UAS shall be operated within Visual Line of Sight ("VLOS") of the PIC and

VO at all times. The PIC will use human vision unaided by any device other

than corrective lenses.

5. The VO designated for any operation will be in constant voice contac t with the

PIC.

6. The additional requirements identified in the exemption grant shall be added to

the Revolution UAS' Operations Manuals. The Operations Manual will be

maintained and made available to the Administrator upon request. If a

discrepancy exist s between the conditions and limitations in the granted

exemptions and the R evolution UAS Operations Manuals, the conditions and

limitations in the granted exemptions shall take precedence and must be

followed. Otherwise, Revolution UAS must follow the pro cedures outlined in

their Operations Manuals.

7. Maximum total flight time for each operational flight will be limited to the

amount of time the UAS can be flown and still maintain a reserve battery power

of no less than 25%.

8. Flights will be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet AGL and will not

be conducted within navigable airspace.9. Flights will be operated at a lateral distance of at least 500 feet from any

inhabited structures, buildings, vehicles or vessels, or from people not associated

wit h the operation who have not given permission in advance of the operation.

10. The Pilot will have a private pilot's license , w ill be trained in accordance with

the Operations Manual and will pass a company imposed flight evaluation.

11. The Visual O bserver de signated for any operation will be required to complete

the trainin g course as set forth in the Operations Manual before performing his

duties on any flight.

12. The UAS will operate in accordance with the safety and operational

requirements of the Operations Manual and manufacturer’s flight manual

.

13. Prior to the operation, a Mission Plan will be created setting forth the limitations

for the flight as well as contact and hazard information provided by the utility.

14. A NO T AM will be issued not more than 72 hours in advance of flight, but not

less than 48 hours before flight.

15. The PIC and Visual Observer will at all times be able t o communicate by voice.

16. A Certificate of Authorization will be obtained prior to flight.

17. All required permissions and permits will be obtained from territorial, state,

county or city jurisdictions, including local law enforcement, fire or other

appropriate governmental agencies.

18. The operator will coordinate all flights with the appropriate Flight Standards

District Office.

19. If the UA S loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UAS will have

the capability to return to a pre

- determined location within the operational

area and land.

20. Contingency plans will be in place to safely terminate flight if there is a loss

of communication between the pilot and the observer.

21. The UAS will have the capability to safely abort flight in the case of unpredicted

obstacles or emergencies. The PIC will abort the flight in the event of

unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in accordance with the Re volution UAS’

Operations Manuals.IV. Regulations from which exemption is requested and equivalent level of safety

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

91.203(a)(1)

T h e regu l a t i on r eq u i res:

S ubpart H

, en t i t l ed A i r w o r t h i ness C er t i f i ca t es, es t ab l i shes t he procedural requ i remen t s

f or t he i ss u ance of a i r w or t h i ness ce r t i f i ca t es as requ i red b y F

A R §91

. 203 (a) ( 1). G i ven t he

s i ze and li m i t ed opera t i ng a rea asso c i a t ed w it h t he a i rcra f t t o be u ti li zed b y t he A pp l i can t

, an

e x emp t i on f

r o m P art 21 S u b part H mee t s t he requ i remen t s of an equ i v a l ent l evel of s a f e t y

under P a r t 1 1 and S ec t i on 333 of t he R e f o r m A c t

. T he Feder a l A v i a t i on A ct (49

U

. S

. C

. §44 7 01 ( f

) ) and S ec t i on 333 o f t he R e f o rm A ct bo t h au t hor i ze t he F A A t o e x empt

a i r c ra f t f r o m t he req u i reme n t f

o r an a i r w or t h i ness c e r t i f

i ca t e, up o n con s i dera t i on of t he s i ze,

w e i g h t , speed, opera t i onal cap a b i l i t y , and prox i m i t y t o a i rpor t s and popu l a t ed areas of t he

pa r t i c u l ar UAS

. I n a l l cases, an an a l y s i s of t hese cr i t er i a demons t r a t es t hat t he UAS opera t ed

w it h o ut an a i r w or t h i n ess ce r t i f i ca t e, i n t he rural spars e l y pop u l a t ed env i ronment and under

t he cond i t i o ns p ropo s ed w il l be at l e ast as sa f e, or s a f e r

, t han a conven t i on a l a i rcr a f t ( fi x ed

wi n g or ro t or c ra f

t ) opera t i ng w it h an a i r w or t h i n ess ce r t i f i ca t e w it hout t he r es t r i c t i ons and

con d i t i ons proposed.

E qu i va l ent Level of S a

f e t y:

T he UAS t o be op e r a t e d i s l ess t han 55 l bs. f u ll y l oaded, ca rr i es ne i t her a p il ot

nor passe n g e r , c a

rr i es n o e x p l os i v e m a t e r i a l s, a n d ope r a t es e x c l us i v e l y wi t h i n a

sec u r ed a r ea as set o u t i n t he M anua l

. U n li k e o t her c i v i l a i r c r a f t

, t h e p r oposed

ope r a t i ons i n t h i s p e t i t i on f o r e x e m p t i on w i l l be c o n tr o ll ed and m on i t o r ed b y t he

ope r a t o r , pu r suant t o t he M anua l ' s r e q u i r e m en t s. M o r eo v e r

, t he F A A w il l ha v e

ad v a nce no t i ce o f a l l o pe r a t i ons conduc t ed u n der t h i s e x e m p t i on.

T hese s a f e t y enhanc e m en t s, w h i ch a l r eady app l y t o c i v i l a i r c r a f t ope r a t ed i n conne c t i on

wi t h e x i s t i ng i nspe c t i on o pe r a t i ons, p r o v i de a g r e a t er d e g r ee o f s a f e t y t o t h e pub li c and p r ope r t y

o w ne r s t han con v en t i on a l ope r a t i ons condu c t ed w i t h a i r w o rt h i ness c e rt i f i c a t es i ssued under 14

C

. F

. R

. P a r

t 2 1

, S ubp a

r t H

. La s t l y

, app li ca t i on o f t hese s a m e c r i t e r i a de m o ns tr a t es t h a t t he r e i s no

c r ed i b l e t h r eat t o na t i on a l secu r i t y posed by t he UAS

, due t o it s s i z e, sp e ed o f ope r a t i on,

l oca t i on o f ope r a t ion, l a c k o f e x p l os i v e m a t e r i a l s, and i nab ili t y t o ca rr y a subs t a n t i al e x t e r nal

l o a d.

b. 14 C

. F

. R

. P a r t 2 7 : A i r w o r t h i ness S t and a rd s : N o r mal C a t egory R o t orcra f t

.

14 C

. F

. R

. P a

r t 27 s e t s f

o rt h t he p r oced u r al r e qu i r e m en t s f o r a i r w o rt h i nes s

ce r t i f i ca t i on o f no rm al c a t e g o r y r o t o r c r a f t

. T o t he e x t ent t he P e t i t i one r' s UAS s w ou l d

o t h e r w i se r e q u i r e ce rt i f

i c a t i on under P a r

t 2 7, as a r o t o r c r a f

t

, P e t i t i o ner r e q ues t s an

e x e m p t i on fr om P a r

t 27 ’ s a i r w o rt h i ness s t and a r ds f or t he s a m e r easons i d e n t i f i ed i n t he

e x e m p t i on r e q ue s t fr o m 14 C

. F

. R

. P a r t 2 1

, S ubp a r t H

.c. 14 C.F.R. §§ 91.9(c), 45.23(b) and 45.27(a): Aircraft Marking and

Identification Requirements

T h e regu l a t i on r eq u i res:

14 C.F.R.§ 91.9(c), Civil Aircraft Flight Manual, Marking and Placard req uirements, provides

that:

No person may operate a U.S.

- registered civil aircraft unless that aircraft is identified in

accordance with Part 45 of this chapter.

14 C.F.R. § 45.23(b), Markings of the Aircraft, states:

When marks include only the Roman cap ital 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, cockpi t, 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.

14 C.F.R. § 45.27(a), Rotorcraft, states:

Each operator of a rotorcraft must display on that rotorcraft horizontally on both surfaces of the

cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail the marks required by§ 45.23. In its previous Grant of Exemption,

the FAA determined that exemption from these requirements was warranted provided that the

aircraft "have identification (N

- Number) markings in accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart

C if the markings are as large as practicable." FAA Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352.

Note:

E ven t hough t he UAS wi l l have no a i r w or t h i ness ce r t i f i c a t e

, an exemp t i on m a y b e

nee d ed as t he UA S w i l l have no en t rance t o t he cab i n, cock p i t or p il ot s t a t i o n on w h i ch t he

w o r d “ E x per i men t a l ” can be p l ac e d. G i ven t he s i ze of t he UAS

, t w o

- i nch l e tt e r i n g w i l l be

i mposs i b l e. T h e w o rd “ E x per i men t a l ” w il l be p l aced on t he vehicle frame i n comp li a nce w it h

§45

. 29 ( f ).

Equivalent level of safety:

T h e equ i v a l ent l ev e l o f sa f e t y w il l be prov i d e d b y marking t he s U A V’s appropriate

identification with lettering as large as practicable. T h e F A A has i ssu e d t he f

o ll o w i n g exem p ti ons

t o t h i s regu l a t i on t o E x emp t i ons N os. 107 0 0, 8738, 10167 and 10167 A

.

d. 14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 9 ( b ) ( 2 ) : C i v i l Ai rcra f t F li g h t M anual i n t he A i rcr a f t

.

The regulation provides:

14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 9 ( b )( 2 )

, w h i ch s t a t e s :

( b) N o pe r s on m ay ope r a t e a U

. S.

- r e g i s t e r ed c i v i l a i r c r a f t( 2) F or w h i ch an Ai rp l ane or R o t o r c r a f t F li g ht M anual i s not r e q u i r ed by §21

. 5 o f t h i s

cha p t e r

, un l ess t h e r e i s a v a il ab l e i n t he a i r c r a f t a cu r r ent app r o v ed a i rp l ane or R o t o r cr a f t

F li g ht

M anu a l

, app r o v ed m an u al m a t e r i a l

, m a r k i n g s

, a n d p l aca r d s

, o r any c o m b i na t i on t h e r e o f

.

G i v en i t s s i z e, co n f

i g u r a t i on, and l oad capac i t y

, t h e UAS has no ab ili t y t o ca rr y such a

m anual on t he a i r c r a f

t

, n ot on l y because t he r e is no p il ot on b oa r d

, b u t b e cause t h e r e i s

s i m p l y no r oom or capac i t y t o c a rr y such an i t e m on t he a i r c r a ft

.

E qu i va l ent Level of S a

f e t y

The sa f e t y r e l a t ed pu r

p o se of t h i s m anual r equ i r e m ent can be equa ll y s a t i s f i ed by

m aintaining t he UAS f

li ght m anual at t he g r ound con t r ol po i nt w h e r e t he p il ot f l y i ng t he UAS

w il l have i m m ed i a t e acc e ss t o it

. A cc o r d i ng l y, P e t i t i oner r eques t s an ex e mp t i on f r om

§91

. 9 ( b )( 2 ) ' s f

li ght m anual r equ i r e m en t s, on t he c o nd i t i on t hat t he UAS f li ght m an u al be

ava il ab l e at t he co n tr ol p o i nt du r i ng e a ch op e r a t i o n.

The F A A has i ssued t he f o ll o w i ng ex e m p t i ons t o t h i s r egu l a t i on: E xe m p t i o n N os. 8607,

8737, 873 8

, 929 9

, 929 9 A

, 956 5

, 9565 B , 1016 7 , 10167 A

, 1060 2

, 3282 7 , and 10700.

e. 14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 203 ( a) & ( b ) : C arr y i ng C i v i l A i rcra f t C e r t i fi c a ti on and

R eg i s t r a ti o n

.

The regulation provides:

14 C

. F .R

. § 9 1

. 203 ( a) and ( b )

.

(a) E x cept as p r o v i ded i n §91

. 71 5

, no pe r son m ay ope r a t e a c i v i l a i r c r a f t u n l ess i t has

w i t h i n i t t he f

o ll o w i n g :

( 1) A n app r o p r i a t e and c u rr e n t a i r w o rt h i ness ce r t i f i c a t e

( b) N o pe r s on m ay ope r a t e a c i v i l a i r c r a f t un l ess t he a i r w o rt h i ness c e rt i f i c a t e r e q u i r ed by

pa r a g r aph ( a ) o f t h i s se c t i on o r a spe c i al f l i g ht au t h o r i z a t i on i ssued under §9 1

. 715 i s

d i sp l ayed at t he cab i n o r co c kp i t en t r ance so t hat i t i s l e g i b l e t o passen g e r s or c r e w

.

I n add i t i on t o t he f

a c t t h a t P e t i t i oner i s se e k i n g an e x e m p t i on fr o m t he a i r w o rt h i ness

ce r t i f i c a t e r e q u i r e m e n t s, an e x e m p t i on t o t h i s r e gu l a t i on i s necess a r y be c ause ( a ) t he UAS ’ s l oad

capac i t y and s i z e does not a ll ow i t t o ca rr y ce r t i f i c a t i on and r e g i s t r a t i on docu m e n t s ; ( 2) t he UAS

does not ha v e a cab i n o r co c k p i t en t r a nce at w h i ch t he doc u m en t s co u l d be d i sp l a y ed; and ( 3)

t h e r e a r e no passe n g e r s o r c r e w f or w hom t he c e rt i f

i c a t es need be d i sp l a y ed.

E qu i va l ent Level of S a

f e t y:

T o t he e x t ent t hese r e g u l a t i ons a r e app li cab l e t o t he p r oposed UAS op e r a t i ons, an

e q u i v a l ent l e v el of s a f

e t y w i l l be ach i e v ed by k ee p i ng t hese d o cu m e n t s at t he g r ound con t r ol

po i nt w he r e t he p il ot f

l y i ng t he UAS w il l h a v e i mm ed i a t e a ccess t o t h e m

.T he F A A has i ssued n u m e r ous e x e m p t i ons t o t h i s r e g u l a t i on. A r ep r ese n t a t i v e sa m p l e o f

o t her e x cep t i ons i nc l udes E x e m p t i on N o s

. 956 5 , 9665, 978 9

, 9789 A

, 97 9 7, 9797 A

, 9816 A , and

10700.

f. 14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 7 ( a ) : C i v i l Ai rcr a f t A i r w o r t h i n e ss.

The regulation provides:

14 C

. F

. R

. § 91

. 7 ( a )

, w h i ch r equ i r es t h a t a c i v i l a i r c r a f t be i n an a i r w o r

t h y cond i t i on t o be

ope r a t e d.

E qu i va l ent Level of S a

f e t y:

A s t here w i l l be no a i r w or t h i ness cer t i f i ca t e i ssued f

or t he a i rcr a f

t

, shou l d t h i s e x emp t i on

be gran t ed, no F

A A r eg u l a t o r y s t andard w il l e x i st f o r de t e r m i n i ng a i r w or t h i ness. G i ven t he s i ze

of t he a i rcra f

t and t he requ i remen t s con t a i ned i n t he DJI S900 & S1000 U ser’ s M anual f or

ma i n t en a nce and use of sa f e t y check l i s t s pr i or t o each f li g h t

.

The F A A has i ssued t he f o ll o w i ng ex e m p t i ons t o t h i s r egu l a t i on: E xe m p t i o n N os. 8607,

8737, 873 8

, 929 9

, 929 9 A

, 956 5

, 9565 B , 1016 7 , 10167 A

, 1060 2

, 3282 7 , and 107 00.

g. 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action

The regulation provides:

14 C.F.R. §91.103, which requires a PIC to become familiar with specific information

before each flight, including information contained in the FAA

- approved Flight Manual

on board the air craft. While the PIC will be familiar with all information necessary to

safely conduct the flight, an exemption is requested to the extent that an FAA

- approved

Flight manual is required.

Equivalent Level of Safety:

An equivalent level of safety will be p rovided by following the Aircraft Operations

Manual and flight manual provided by the manufacturer. The PIC will take all required preflight

actions

- including performing all required checklists and reviewing weather, flight battery

requirements, landing a nd takeoff distance, aircraft performance data, and contingency landing

areas

- before initiation of flight. The Aircraft Operations Manual and manufacturer's flight

manual will be kept at the ground station with the operator at all times.

h. 14 C.F.R. § 91. 109(a): Flight Instruction

The regulation provides:14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a): which provides that "[n]o person may operate a civil aircraft

(except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has

fully functioning d ual controls." UASs and remotely piloted aircraft, by their design, do not have

functional dual controls. Instead, flight control is accomplished through the use of a device that

communicates with the aircraft via radio communications.

Equivalent Level of Safety [DA1] :

Given the size and speed of the UAS, an equivalent level of safe training can still be

performed without dual controls because no pilot or passengers are aboard the UAS, and all

persons will be a safe distance away in the event that the UAS expe riences any difficulties during

flight instruction.

T he F A A has app r o v ed e x e m p t i ons f o r f l i g h t tr a i n i ng w i t hout f

u ll y f unc t i on a l dual

con t r o l s f o r a n u m ber o f a i r c r a f

t and f o r f li g h t i n s t r uc t i on i n e x pe r i m e n t al a i r c r a ft

. S ee

E x e m p t i on N os. 5778K & 9862 A

.

i. 14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

The regulation provides:

14 C.F.R. § 91.119. Section 91.119 prescribes the minimum safe altitudes under which

aircraft may not operate, including 500 feet above the surface and away from any person, vessel,

veh icle, or structure in non

- congested areas. See 14 C.F .R. § 91.119( c). Section 91.119( d)

allows for a helicopter to operate at less than those minimum altitudes when it can be operated

"without hazard to persons or property on the surface," provided that "each person operating the

helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the

FAA."

Equivalent Level of Safety:

Risk is significantly reduced compared to flight operations with rotorcraft weighing far

more th an the maximum UAS weight proposed herein, and given the lack of flammable fuel, any

risk associated with these operations is far less than those that presently exist with conventional

aircraft. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the siz e, weight, and speed of the

UAS, as well as the location where it is operated. In order to avoid any risk to aircraft, flight

operations will be restricted to 400' AGL or below. As set forth in the Manual, the UAS will be

operated in a restricted area, awa y from persons or structures not involved in the operation.

j. 14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

The regulation provides:

14 C.F.R.§ 91.121: which requires a person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising

altitude or flight level by reference to an altimeter that is set to the elevation of the departure

airport or barometric pressure. An exemption is required to the extent that the UAS does not

have a barometric altimeter, but rather a GPS altitude read out.Equivalent Level of Safety:

The FAA has stated that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved if the UAS will be

operated at 400' or below and within visual line

- of

- sight in addition to GPS based altitude

information relayed in real time to the operator. See Grant of Exemption to Astraeus A erial,

Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352. As the attached Operations Manual indicates, the chosen UAS

meets these requirements, and a zero altitude initiation point will be obtained prior to flight.

k. 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Condit ions

The regulation provides:

14 C.F.R.§ 91.151(a) fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions. Section 91.151 states:

(a) No person may begin 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.

Here, the technological limitations o n UAS battery power means that no meaningful flight

operations can be conducted while still maintaining a 30 minute reserve. Revolution UAS

proposes that all flights comply with this requirement by mandating that the aircraft be safely

landed with no less than 25% of battery life remaining.

Equivalent Level of Safety:

The FAA has stated that an equivalent level of safety is provided if the UAS flight is

terminated with at least 25% reserve battery power still available. See Grant of Exemption to

Astraeus Aerial, Docket No. FAA

- 2014

- 0352. The Operations Manual conforms to this limit,

providing an equivalent level of safety.

l. 14 C

. F

. R . §§ 91

. 40 5 ( a ) ; 91

. 40 7 ( a ) ( 1 ) ; 9 1

. 409 ( a )( 2 ) ; 9 1

. 417 ( a ) &

( b ) : M a i n t enance I nspe c ti on s

.

The regulation provides:

14 C

. F

. R . §§ 9 1

. 405 ( a ) ; 91

. 407 ( a )( 1 ) ; 9 1

. 409 ( a )( 2 ) ; 91

. 417 ( a) & ( b ) :

T hese r e g u l a t i ons spec i f

y m a i n t enance and i nspe c ti on s t anda r d s i n r e f e r en c e t o 14 C

. F

. R

. P a r t 4 3

. S ee, e

. g

. , 14 C

. F

. R . § 91

. 405 ( a ) ( s t a t i ng t hat e ach o w ner or ope r a t or o f an a i r c r a f t “ [ s ] ha l l

ha v e t hat a i r c r a f

t i nspe c t ed as p r esc r i bed i n subpa r t E o f t h i s p a r t a n d sha l l be t w een r e q u i r ed

i nspec t i ons . . . ha v e d i sc r epanc i es r epa i r ed a s p r esc r i bed i n pa r t 43 o f t h i s cha p t e r ” )

. A ne x e m p t i on t o t hese r e g u l a t i ons i s needed bec a use P a r t 43 and t hese s e c t i ons app l y on l y t o a i r c r a f t

w i t h an a i r w o rt h i ness ce r t i f i c a t e, w h i ch t he UAS w il l not ha v e.

E qu i va l ent Level of S a

f e t y:

A n e q u i v a l ent l e v el o f s a f e t y w i l l be ach i e v ed because m a i n t enance and i n s pec t i ons w il l

be pe r f o r m ed i n a cco r d a nce w i t h t he Ai r c r a f t O p e r a t i ons M anual as r e f e r e nced i n t he a v a il ab l e

M a nua l

. A s p r o v i ded i n t he M an u a l

, t he ope r a t or w il l ens u r e t hat t he UA S i s i n w o r k i n g o r der

p r i or t o i n i t i a t i ng f

li g h t , pe r f o r m r e q u i r ed m a i n t e nance, and k eep a l o g o f any m a i n t enance

pe r f o r m ed. T he op e r a t o r i s t he pe r son m o st f a m ili ar w i t h t he a i r c r a f

t a nd best su i t ed t o m a i n t a i n

t he a i r c r a f

t i n an a i r w o rt hy cond i t i on t o p r o v i de t he e q u i v a l ent l e v el of s a f e t y

.

I f m echan i cal i ssu e s a

r i se, t he UA S can l and i mm ed i a t e l y and w i l l be ope r a t i ng fr om

no h i g h e r t han 400 f

eet A G L. M o r eo v e r

, t he UAS ' s s m a l l s i z e, ca r r y i ng c a pac i t y

, and t he f

act

t hat f l i g ht op e r a t i ons w il l on l y t a k e p l ace i n r es t r i c t ed a r eas f o r li m i t ed pe r i ods o f t i m e , c r e a t e

l ess r i s k t han t he s a m e f a c t o r s assoc i a t ed w i t h con v en t i onal f i x e d

- w i ng a i r c r a f

t and r o t o r c r a f

t

pe r f o r m i ng t he s a m e op e r a t i on.

m. 14 C. F

. R. § 61.113 (a) a n d (b): P r iva t e P i l ot P r i vi l e g e s a n d Li m ita t io n s: P i l ot in

C o m m a nd

.

The regulation provides:

§§ 61.113 ( a ) a nd (b ) , whi c h stat e s:

( a ) E x ce pt a s p r ovided in p a ra g r a phs (b) thr o u g h ( h) of th i s s ec t i on, no

p e rson who holds a priv a te pi l ot ce rtifi ca te m a y ac t a s pi l ot in

c om m a nd of a n a ir c r a ft t h a t is ca r r y i n g p a sse n g er s or prop e r t y for

c ompens a t i on or hir e ; nor m a y that p e rson, for c o m p e ns a t i on or hir e

,

ac t a s pi l ot in c om m a nd of a n a i r c raft.

(b) A priv a t e pi l ot m a y

, for c ompen s a t i on or hi r e

, ac t a s pi l ot in

c om m a nd of a n a i r c raft in c onn e c t i on with a n y busin e ss or

e mp l o y ment if:

(1) The fl i g ht is on l y inc i d e ntal to that busin e ss or e mp l o y ment; a nd

(2) The a i r c raft do e s not c a rr y p a sse n g e rs or pro p e r t y f o r

c ompens a t i on or hir e

.

E qu iva l e n t L e v e l o

f S a f e ty :

As r e quir e d b y t h e M a n u a l, P e t i t i on e r ' s UAS op e r a tors ac t i n g a s P I C will hold either an

airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. B e ca u s e the UASwill not ca r r y a pi l ot or p a sse n g e rs, the prop o s e d op e r a t i ons ca n ac h i e ve t he e quival e nt lev e l

of s a f e t y to 14 C. F .R. §§ 6 1 .113 ( a ) a nd (b )

.

Unlike a c onv e nt i on a l a ir c raft that ca rr ies the pi l ot a nd p a ssen g e rs, the UAS is r e mo t e l y

c ontroll e d with no p a s s e ng e rs on bo a rd. Mor e ov e r, the a rea of op e r a t ion is c ontroll e d a nd

r e strict e d, a nd a ll fli g hts a re plann e d, c oordin a ted, a nd bri e f e d to the a p p rop r i a te of

f ici a l in a d v a n c e

a s s e t fo r th in the M a nu a l

.

Revolution UAS ca n ac hie v e a n e qui v a lent l ev e l of s a f e t y a s a c hiev e d b y c ur r e nt

R e g u l a t i ons b eca u s e the UAS do n o t ca r r y a n y pi l ots or p a sseng e rs. F urth e r, while h e lpful, a

pi l ot l ic e nse will n o t e nsure r e mo t e c ontrol pi l ot i ng ski l ls, thou g h Revolution UAS’s tr a in i ng

prog ra m will e nsure the P I C h a s subs t a nt i a l e x p e ri e n c e on the a ir f r a m e

. The risks inherent to

the op e r a t i on UAS a re f a r less than the risk lev e ls in the c om m e r c ial a c t i vi t ies out l ined in 14

C. F .R. § 61, e t s e q. Thus, a l l owing Revolution UAS to op e r a te i ts U A S s as proposed will e x ce e d

c urr e nt s a f

e t y l e v e ls in r e lation to 14 C. F .R. §§ 61.113 ( a ) a nd (b )

.

VI. DRUG AND ALCOHOL P OLICY

Revolution UAS will have policies in place to ensure that no person may participate in

UAS flight operations if they are under the influence of alcohol or an y drug.

VI I. PRIVACY

All Revolution UAS operations will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal,

state, or local laws regarding privacy. All operations conducted over private or controlled

- access

property with permission from the land owner/c ontroller or authorized representative.

VIII. SUMMARY OF SECTION 333 EXEMPTION REQUEST

Revolution UAS hereby provides pursuant to Part 11 a summary of its exemption

application to allow commercial operation of the Inspire unmanned aircraft in precision aerial

survey work. An exemption is requested from the following regulations:

• 14 C.F.R. Part 21, Subpart H

- Airworthiness Certificates and 14 C.F.R. § 91.203

• 14 C.F.R. Part 27 Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft

• 14 C.F.R. § § 91.9(c), 45.23(b) an d 45.27(a): Aircraft Marking and Identification

Requirements

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

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

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.7(a): Civil Aircraft Air worthiness

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.103: Preflight Action

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.109(a): Flight Instruction

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

• 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions• 14 C.F.R. § 91 .405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2); 91.417(a) and (b): Maintenance

Inspections

• 14 CFR § 61.113 Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations

IX. CONCLUSION

Revolution UAS petition for exemption satisfies the criteria articulated in Section 333 of

the Reform Act of 2012. The proposed UAS operations set forth in this petition not set

precedent with previously approved exemptions. Approving this exemption, will benefit

the public as a whole by improving safety, efficiency, cost and reducing the overall risk

acros s a wide number of activities.

Thank for your consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information

to support the requested exemptions, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

Doug Andriuk

Phone: 301

- 266

- 2011

Email: Doug@Revolution UAS.com