So... The FAA says no to free drone... Impact on videographers? (Page 2): This is fairly extreme. The weight limit includes batteries, and is so low that only the smallest model...

tomw

Big Bill wrote:

http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf

The proposed interim rules. Long, but instructive.
These drones, depending on exactly what the final rules will be, could be very expensive.

This is fairly extreme. The weight limit includes batteries, and is so low that only the smallest model helicopters intended primarily for indoor use are exempted. Most hobbyist line-of-sight models would be covered.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Rongnongno wrote:

Different issue but it is correct. Since the FAA reaches outside our border that will be like an oil spill before long.

There is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO---pronounced eye-kay-oh), that most if not all countries belong to that sets regulations for all things aviation. Member countries can have stricter regulations than ICAO standards, but not go below the minimums.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

JD750 wrote:

Although personally I can understand it, the Feds have frowned upon landowners shooting down drones. And it's not really an option in the city.

However, what if I were to launch my own "attack drone" and down the invading drone with the attach drone? That would be entertaining!

' sounds like an opportunity for the paint ball crowd!

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

Dan821 wrote:

Is this registration so that they can return the ones shot down by angry citizens being "spied" upon, to their rightful owners?
Just asking...

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

bcrawf

JD750 wrote:

Although personally I can understand it, the Feds have frowned upon landowners shooting down drones. And it's not really an option in the city.

However, what if I were to launch my own "attack drone" and down the invading drone with the attach drone? That would be entertaining!

It is (always was?) a federal offense to shoot at an aircraft, so there is nothing new there.

Goldyrock

If you use a Drone for commercial photography, the FAA rules say you must be a licensed pilot and have an observer.
I was going to use it for my Real Estate photos, but the cost to obtain the license would be prohibitive for the return on the investment.

bcrawf

Goldyrock wrote:

If you use a Drone for commercial photography, the FAA rules say you must be a licensed pilot and have an observer.
I was going to use it for my Real Estate photos, but the cost to obtain the license would be prohibitive for the return on the investment.

Please give a source reference for that information. Thanks.

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

As a hobbyist I'm saving up for one.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Rongnongno wrote:

According to recent reports b US hobbyists 'must ... (show quote)

Since no one else is answering your question, I won't start.

The basic rules of flying a drone limit them to a minimum and maximum altitude, limit them over populated areas (such as stadiums), and limit the horizontal approach to a functioning airport. These are for small drones.

The US$5 registration fee is nothing when people are shelling out Hundreds or Thousands of $ for drones.

This is all an example of success being its own worst enemy. Too many drones in the hands of people who either don't or won't adhere to the rules (like them or not). Public safety is still number 1.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

bcrawf wrote:

Please give a source reference for that information. Thanks.

I am not absolutely sure but requiring a pilots license was proposed. I don't think it went far yet, but I expect to see this in any final regulations regarding commercial activity over populated areas at least.

I see this as overkill for say a farmer wanting to place a thermal imager on his drone and look for plant stress on his acreage.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Dan821 wrote:

It would be entertaining!
I guess the best thing to come out of this is that you can record the registration number of the offending drone, and report it!

With the size of the drones, how do expect to be able to read the registration number before it smacks you in the face? No, the theory is they can track offending/lost drones to their owner and take action.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Kuzano wrote:

The government is looking for Drone Pilots. Many of the Middle East drones are flown by civilian employees from site in the United States. Just saw a jobs available posting on the internet a couple of days ago, specifying civilian contractors.

So why buy a drone one must register, when the government will pay you to do mayhem in foreign countries with the "real thing Drones".. . . .

Knowing an Air Force drone pilot, be aware that armed drones are flown only by trained active duty military drone pilots. These guys, specifically trained as drone pilots, work in a pressure cooker on long shifts with numerous eyes looking over their every move.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Goldyrock wrote:

If you use a Drone for commercial photography, the FAA rules say you must be a licensed pilot and have an observer.
I was going to use it for my Real Estate photos, but the cost to obtain the license would be prohibitive for the return on the investment.

Thank you.

First legitimate answer on the topic.

sagittta Loc: In the woods of Michigan

The ruling include all model aircraft over .5 pounds, not only those which we think of as drones.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

bcrawf wrote:

Please give a source reference for that information. Thanks.

There's a lot of misinformation floating around. I suggest starting at the FAA home page, http://www.faa.gov or http://www.faa.gov/uas/. There are links that explain registration requirements including marking a UAS (e.g. drone), hobbyist vs commercial operations, when flight plans are required or encouraged, operating near crowds, etc.