SteveR Loc: Michigan

Taken from today's NBCNews.com

It was a big one, too, and just missed him.

http://www.nbcsports.com/video/falling-drone-camera-almost-hits-marcel-hirscher-during-slalom-run?cid=eref:nbcnews:video

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

That would've hurt.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Heckuva closeup, though.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

WOW

MtnMan Loc: ID

Expensive drone, too!

You can see why we need regulations for these things. A German knucklehead crashed one into Grand Prismaic Spring in Yellowstone a couple of years ago, driving the Park Service to outlaw them. I stopped a couple of Dutch idiots from launching one in Zion last year...in an area with dozens of hikers.

There is no shortage of stupid.

denoferth Loc: Portsmouth, NH

That was a commercial operator flying that machine, precisely the type of commercial operation that can be regulated IN THIS COUNTRY by the FAA. They just announced Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 that goes into effect Dec 21, 2015 complete with fines and penalties. It unfortunately completely disregards the will of congress who passed PL 336 which states in part: “Section 336 also prohibits the FAA from promulgating ‘any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft’ . The FAA, being a totally out of control governmental agency then issued, without allowing any input from the model aircraft governing body (AMA) this abomination:

“Persons owning small unmanned aircraft, whether intended to be used as model aircraft or as other than model aircraft, are required to register those aircraft with the FAA[.]” “This rule applies to all owners of small unmanned aircraft which weigh more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds on takeoff.” It goes into effect Dec 21, 2015. If you do not comply, you could face civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties of $250,000[1] and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.[2] And yes, a $12 fee to start the first year.

I don't have the time or space to argue the point here but if anyone is interested here is a site that will explain the legalese in a somewhat more understandable format: http://jrupprechtlaw.com/myrupprecht-laws-analysis-of-the-faas-published-drone-registration-rule and why it's total BS.

So similar to the gun control, climate change, gender issues, ad naseum, the ignorant masses have been whipped up into a frenzy by commercial interests so big government can regulate, control and tax all us little people.

So long story short, all the talking heads out there have convinced the brainless public all toy airplanes are "DRONES" AND MUST BE CONTROLLED for your safety and the security of the fatherland, oh, and that includes balloons, kites, rockets, and anything else that "raises off the surface" for good measure.

Like Reagen said "The scariest words in the English language are "we're the government and we're here to help you".

Nelson.I Loc: Monument, Colorado, USA

Regards the FAA's over-reach, you are right. I suspect, because we have that somewhat independent 3rd branch of government, i.e. the courts; the FAA's over-reach will be quickly trimmed back to where it belongs.

Hanlon's razor: "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."

MtnMan Loc: ID

And in this case the stupidity of the public operating these things does demands immediate action. It is only a matter of time before someone is killed, perhaps involving an airplane crash, by these things.

I don't know if this regulation will help much, though. As with gun regulations only the lawful comply, and they aren't the cause of the problem that needs attention. Most people buying drones for Christmas won't have a clue about the regulation.

BTW, the fee is $5 for a fleet of model aircraft.

Our Gang

A few months ago I was trying to take pictures of the zebras near the Hearst Castle. Some idiot flew his drone toward the zebras and scared them all away. Spoiled it for me and the crowd of other people who either wanted to take pictures or just watch the zebras feed.

Nelson.I Loc: Monument, Colorado, USA

Alas, I believe you're right. Sadly. Intelligence and forethought are not generally qualities that over shadow plain ignorance and/or stupidity.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Yup.

Surprised CA doesn 't have it's own more restrictive regs. They do on guns: the most restrctive in the Nation. San Bernidino illustrated how well they work.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Silly me.

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB142

So if the Zebra chasing drone was under 350ft. the operator is guilty of trespass.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

MtnMan....Isn't the rule that drones can't operate over 400'?

MtnMan Loc: ID

We need the model aircraft guy to clarify. I think so but it might be for limited areas; e.g. near airports.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Proves my point from before. Need regulation. Thank God the FAA is taking that first step.