Are we as hobbyist UAS users in the clear for now? can we jump for joy? or to soon?
#52
Ah....but you forget, nothing in section 336 prevents the FAA from regulations that do not specifically target "model aircraft." Since they've already limited commercial sUAS (indeed an "aircraft') to below 400 feet, nothing prevents them from limiting all sUAS to below 400 feet. That would not be a regulation specific to "model aircraft" but rather specific to sUAS.
As I pointed out above, commercial sUAS pilots actually have to prove they know something about the FARs, and they're limited to 400 feet. Furthermore, in their discussion of comments on the part 107 rule, did you see how the FAA repeatedly talked about the majority of manned aircraft operating above 500 feet? (I seem to remember using that exact phrase in my comments to FAA about this rule and the pending rule on model aircraft). And did you note how they said allowing the commercial sUAS above 500 feet was too risky for that reason? So if it's too risk to allow commercial sUAS above 400' due to potential conflict with manned aircraft, why would it suddenly be less risky to allow non-commercial sUAS above 400'?
What do your analytics show for non-commercial sUAS total time spent above 400' for your average AMA member on an annuals basis looking at the last three years? Now, what would be the total time spent for all commercial sUAS operations > 500' if permissible?
Is there some magical bubble around "model aircraft"? Perhaps a force field that prevents them from hazarding manned aircraft as the commercial ones would? I don't think so. I believe that a 400' limit makes abundant sense for consistency.
As I pointed out above, commercial sUAS pilots actually have to prove they know something about the FARs, and they're limited to 400 feet. Furthermore, in their discussion of comments on the part 107 rule, did you see how the FAA repeatedly talked about the majority of manned aircraft operating above 500 feet? (I seem to remember using that exact phrase in my comments to FAA about this rule and the pending rule on model aircraft). And did you note how they said allowing the commercial sUAS above 500 feet was too risky for that reason? So if it's too risk to allow commercial sUAS above 400' due to potential conflict with manned aircraft, why would it suddenly be less risky to allow non-commercial sUAS above 400'?
What do your analytics show for non-commercial sUAS total time spent above 400' for your average AMA member on an annuals basis looking at the last three years? Now, what would be the total time spent for all commercial sUAS operations > 500' if permissible?
Is there some magical bubble around "model aircraft"? Perhaps a force field that prevents them from hazarding manned aircraft as the commercial ones would? I don't think so. I believe that a 400' limit makes abundant sense for consistency.
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#54
Given what's been said in these pages that a 400 foot ceiling would be the end of sailplanes, jets, pattern, and giant scale aerobatics, it seems to me that's a non-trivial number of members.
#55
I tend to agree that a 400 foot limit is coming at some point in the future, that being said what I think may happen will be an incident with a full scale that takes place over 400 feet and if the modeler is let off the hook because
they are a AMA member and someone else that is not a AMA member that does the same thing is hung out to dry I think then we will see a 400 foot limit on all UAS.
they are a AMA member and someone else that is not a AMA member that does the same thing is hung out to dry I think then we will see a 400 foot limit on all UAS.
#56
How many is non-trivial? Seems like you're suggesting policy based on random unverifiable data found on the public Internet.
#58
I did the same on Friday.
#60
I got out again today just in case "poof" happens tomorrow. I hope others were able to get out as well, just in case our days are numbered....
I've started looking at RC subs too.
I've started looking at RC subs too.
#62
How do you folks in this hobby know that your days are "numbered"? I'm not seeing any movement on that new funding bill yet, and I think I can be reasonably sure that model aviation won't have the restrictions as written on the Senate package.
#63
It looks to me like you can fly an RC jet, and not have to worry about it. On the other hand, I did visit a club that was out flying a few days ago. Nobody there was talking. As a former hobbyist, I couldn't get a word out of them. I did not cross the spectator fence, because nobody I knew there had motioned me over. I have a hunch that the atmosphere at that club is very tense at the moment. I think they are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
#64
And you were likely registered. we all know a registered model is completely safe!
#65
#66
It's no different than those who are 100% certain who the next president is going to be.
#67
#68
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
You flying big stuff yet?
#69
Yes, I was registered as well as every one of the 70 plus pilots. The airport owner (who attended the fly in with his son) insisted on AMA as well as the FAA reg. First time I've ever flown at an active airport although a NOTAM was in place, there were still planes coming in and out. Last year a Cessna Caravan made an unscheduled stop at the field, definitely an interesting situation.
You flying big stuff yet?
You flying big stuff yet?
#70
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
The weird thing with the registration though (at least that I've found), is that you have to have the card with you at all times. The card being the FAA card, laminated of course. I take the card with wave it over the plane I'm about to fly and chant the following: FAA FAA, make the other planes go away. Gotta do that 3 times, then take off. I haven't had a mid-air yet.
Now, the one time I didn't do that, I did impact a safety cone upon landing. Tore the motor right off the mount. When I think back, turns out I only did my chant twice. Coincidence, or conspiracy? You be the judge.
#72
The rocket guy's are still in business, though they have to request a waiver. I suggest a Trident sub with Trident missiles. Would be cool to see a model sub launch model missiles from underwater.