Whats That DRONE?*

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
02/20/2015 at 17:31 • Filed to: Technology, Camera

The FAA has proposed regulation on "non-recreational" Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or more commonly and *inaccurately called drones. This is big news for car types who like to use these cheap aerial camera platforms to get what used to be very expensive shots.

The good news is that the proposed regulation is mostly common sense stuff:

A small UAS operator must always see and avoid manned aircraft. If there is a risk of collision, the UAS operator must be the first to maneuver away.

The operator must discontinue the flight when continuing would pose a hazard to other aircraft, people or property.

A small UAS operator must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions and the location of people to lessen risks if he or she loses control of the UAS.

A small UAS may not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight.

Flights should be limited to 500 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph.

Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

Operators (who will need to be 17 years or older) will also need to pass an exam to get certified and re-certify with the FAA every 24 months. Whats of interest to car people is that they will have several restrictions that will limit their use to motorsports events:

Visual range only

No higher than 500 feet

No faster than 100 mph

Its been speculated before that these types of system will put skilled !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , but from the sounds of these limitations, I feel safe in saying now...as I did then...that these craftsmen will likely have a continued roll for a long time to come.

Read the press release !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (6)

E. Julius > HammerheadFistpunch
02/20/2015 at 17:42

Thanks for reminded me that a job as awesome as "skilled movie helicopter pilot" exists. Badass.

Mercedes Streeter > HammerheadFistpunch
02/20/2015 at 17:49

The proposed rule also includes extensive discussion of the possibility of an additional, more flexible framework for "micro" UAS under 4.4 pounds.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Under the proposed rule, the person actually flying a small UAS would be an "operator." An operator would have to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate. To maintain certification, the operator would have to pass the FAA knowledge tests every 24 months. A small UAS operator would not need any further private pilot certifications (i.e., a private pilot license or medical rating).

So eventually, to fly something like a Parrot or a DJI Phantom, you need a certificate?

What's next? An R/C car driver's license?

Just4GP > HammerheadFistpunch
02/20/2015 at 18:01

I wish the media would stop referring to them as drones. Irritates me every time I hear that.

...Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or more commonly

and *inaccurately called drones...

For Sweden > Mercedes Streeter
02/20/2015 at 18:12

If you're going to drive your R/C car on the highway, yes.

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch
02/20/2015 at 18:13

I like these rules, you like these rules, they are good rules.

Expect an internet explosion of butthurt over these rules.

44444444444 > HammerheadFistpunch
02/20/2015 at 18:40

As a real pilot I'd say they're very fair to UAS/RC whatever the word of the day is for unmanned man controlled small objects. You're in G airspace at 500agl unless you're near even a small airport and then it's usually E for the approach because the plane gets low. A yellow Piper Cub doesn't go 100mph and it's hard to see. Now try a microwave sized black thing going 100mph. You won't see it. I spent a fuck ton of money to learn how to use the airspace and I don't want a bunch of idiots creating issues and they will. Look at laser incidents... people are fucking stupid. Getting your pilots license isn't just about flying it's also communication, navigation and an understanding of the NAS. After your PPL you can go get an IFR ticket and a lot of it is approaches, communication and procedures because airspace doesn't matter IFR but I digress.