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I think the headaches of the FAA in their efforts to define the approved use of drones, has yet to begin.



I could be mistaken, but I thought the various aviation organisations only needed to be involved if the drones reach a certain altitude.

At least I believe this is the rules for flying model planes in the UK. Other countries might differ.


The US is currently in controversy about this.

The FAA (US aircraft regulation organization) has issued 'notices' and 'guidance' for model aircraft operators dating back to the 1960s and 70s, but none of those notices have been legally binding 'FAR regulations.'

The FAA also claim that 'model aircraft' must be operated non-commercially and that once they're flown commercially, they become 'aircraft.' Using this reasoning they tried to fine a famous first-person video flyer for flying for money last year.

He won his case (FAA v. Pirker) with the judge finding that the FAA's regulations for model aircraft are indeed, non-binding, and that the distinction between 'model' and 'aircraft' does not include commercial use. However, the FAA appealed the decision and because of the procedure for transportation courts, the appeal immediately stays the decision.

To complicate things even more, our Congress passed a law in 2012 requiring and authorizing the FAA to regulate drones specifically. The FAA's rule-making process has (as usual) been very slow and they have yet to issue any final guidance or FARs.


In the US, the FAA makes a distinction between recreational and commercial usage. For example, it is perfectly legal to take pictures of your home from a radio-controlled vehicle. But, if you sell those pictures, now you've broken the law -- even if you are selling the pictures well after the flight. (Don't try to apply logic, it doesn't make sense)

The FAA controls all airspace in the US. It's not true that they don't control airspace below 400ft. However, FAA has published guidance for operation of radio-controlled vehicles that includes altitude restrictions.


> The FAA controls all airspace in the US. It's not true that they don't control airspace below 400ft. However, FAA has published guidance for operation of radio-controlled vehicles that includes altitude restrictions.

I didn't say the FAA don't control airspace below n feet. I appreciate my wording was rather vague, but by "involved" I meant that model plane pilots don't require prior permission to fly in the aforementioned airspace (presumably bar some caveats such as whether you're sat next to an airport).

Above a certain altitude and you need that area submitted and signed off as a flying club / whatever. Below that altitude and you can basically just fly your models on an adhoc basis.

Again, I accept I could be completely wrong on this so appreciate your input :)




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