BV's letters to AMA and FAA
07-29-2014, 12:06 PM
#176
Just throwing this fact out there to put some perspective on Drone flying at any scale; in order to fly full scale UAV's you must have a Private Pilot License (not Sport Pilot) AND have a IFR rating.
Ive looked into this industry to be a pilot and this is what I found out.
Ive looked into this industry to be a pilot and this is what I found out.
07-29-2014, 12:11 PM
#177
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Thats fine, in this hypothetical new class specification you would have a waiver or certification just like I did to fly turbines. Why should I have to get certified to fly a plane with just a different engine? To certify that I have a clue about operating it safely. Why the high power EDF guys flying the exact same airframe dont have to get some kind of certification is beyond me but thats a different topic.
However, the fact that the AMA requires this self policing certification for turbine pilots has produced very few incidents and a long track record of safety only proves and further supports the need for action regarding the Drone class.
Ive used the RTH feature just to see what it does and its pretty cool, like operating a CNC mill but without the big red panic button, LOL
However, the fact that the AMA requires this self policing certification for turbine pilots has produced very few incidents and a long track record of safety only proves and further supports the need for action regarding the Drone class.
Ive used the RTH feature just to see what it does and its pretty cool, like operating a CNC mill but without the big red panic button, LOL
Pretty impressive fireballs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkTRSGZyjPA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aajp-...D637E6D8323056
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOYWU...D637E6D8323056
Last edited by SushiHunter; 07-29-2014 at 12:26 PM.
07-29-2014, 12:31 PM
#179
There are many other dangers related to high power EDF besides an impact and potential subsequent fire. To ignore, dismiss, or diminish the dangers is naive. Thats why at least a safety certification would be great even if its only for AC above 1KW.
EDF aside Ive seen LiPo fires as a result of an impact, in person, at my club including one in flight fire as well which I did not witness.
I worked in this field for several years so Im well versed on LiPos, applications and their dangers which why I mention it at all.
Back on topic...
EDF aside Ive seen LiPo fires as a result of an impact, in person, at my club including one in flight fire as well which I did not witness.
I worked in this field for several years so Im well versed on LiPos, applications and their dangers which why I mention it at all.
Back on topic...
07-29-2014, 12:46 PM
#180
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There are many other dangers related to high power EDF besides an impact and potential subsequent fire. To ignore, dismiss, or diminish the dangers is naive. Thats why at least a safety certification would be great even if its only for AC above 1KW.
EDF aside Ive seen LiPo fires as a result of an impact, in person, at my club including one in flight fire as well which I did not witness.
I worked in this field for several years so Im well versed on LiPos, applications and their dangers which why I mention it at all.
Back on topic...
EDF aside Ive seen LiPo fires as a result of an impact, in person, at my club including one in flight fire as well which I did not witness.
I worked in this field for several years so Im well versed on LiPos, applications and their dangers which why I mention it at all.
Back on topic...
07-29-2014, 01:40 PM
#182
And your point is? Other than to try and throw in a snide little comment.
I think the lines are blurred or completely non existent regarding the definition of "Model Aviation" and "Drones" in the public eye based on media drama. When it comes to the hobbyist, FPV is a potential add-on that can help to maximize the enjoyment of Model Aviation and can be added to almost any aircraft.
I think the lines are blurred or completely non existent regarding the definition of "Model Aviation" and "Drones" in the public eye based on media drama. When it comes to the hobbyist, FPV is a potential add-on that can help to maximize the enjoyment of Model Aviation and can be added to almost any aircraft.
Last edited by AndyAndrews; 07-29-2014 at 01:42 PM.
07-29-2014, 01:52 PM
#183
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Just throwing this fact out there to put some perspective on Drone flying at any scale; in order to fly full scale UAV's you must have a Private Pilot License (not Sport Pilot) AND have a IFR rating.
Ive looked into this industry to be a pilot and this is what I found out.
Ive looked into this industry to be a pilot and this is what I found out.
07-29-2014, 02:26 PM
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07-29-2014, 02:53 PM
#186
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I don't totally agree with Bob. Look, it doesn't matter if do or do not UAV's, drones or FPV. They are the future, commercially or in the military application. Do not just put all individuals that use these in a bucket and label them bad. It does not matter what it is, you will always have individuals who will do things that are not smart or safe. Stop a minute and think of the positive uses they can and will have. So instead of thinking negative, be proactive in your thinking and present positive solutions to make their safe use possible. Imagine a child that needs a heart transplant and the have a donor that is 50 miles away. Instead of wasting time, gas and safety of a medical crew driving the donor heart; they could fly it there in less time with a drone. With that said, the bottom line is the FAA needs to get their SME lawyers (oh darn, most left. That's another story) and create policy/regulation (not guidelines), so individuals or corporations will know what and how they can operate these platforms; be it for a business or for pleasure. As for the AMA working with the FAA, beware of what you wish for.
07-30-2014, 12:03 AM
#193
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Isn't this more about what Jeff Bezos is up to rather than a small niche on a Sunday afternoon?
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2...ivery/3799021/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2...ivery/3799021/
I crack myself up sometimes!
07-30-2014, 08:15 AM
#195
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There are valid points on both sides of this issue. There have been a few comparisons in this thread to firearm ownership and how we don't lose our right to bear arms because a mental case goes off his meds and shoots up a school when there are literally millions of legal, responsible firearm owners who know how to safely store and handle them. While that analogy is valid, it's not realistic for a few reasons. The first is obvious which I think Andy pointed out is firearm ownership is a right. The gun lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country and they have a great defense to fall back on when a gun massacre occurs and politicians start looking at more restrictions. The constitution. So when an office or school is shot up with ten, twenty or thirty casualties it makes national news and politicians at the federal and local levels start trying to push through more restrictive legislation on legal gun owners. Much if not all of this legislation never makes it through because of the power of the gun lobby. Now picture some fool with zero common sense trying to get great video footage with his hexacoptor of a 757 taking off at JFK and the unthinkable happens. Does anyone with any sense of reality think the AMA or any other group or individuals will have a prayer of stopping the wrath of the feds that will come down? There would probably be an immediate ban on all RC aircraft activities for who knows how long and then broad sweeping legislation that would make us jump through so many hoops that most of us will look for a new hobby.
07-30-2014, 08:38 AM
#196
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There are valid points on both sides of this issue. There have been a few comparisons in this thread to firearm ownership and how we don't lose our right to bear arms because a mental case goes off his meds and shoots up a school when there are literally millions of legal, responsible firearm owners who know how to safely store and handle them. While that analogy is valid, it's not realistic for a few reasons. The first is obvious which I think Andy pointed out is firearm ownership is a right. The gun lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country and they have a great defense to fall back on when a gun massacre occurs and politicians start looking at more restrictions. The constitution. So when an office or school is shot up with ten, twenty or thirty casualties it makes national news and politicians at the federal and local levels start trying to push through more restrictive legislation on legal gun owners. Much if not all of this legislation never makes it through because of the power of the gun lobby. Now picture some fool with zero common sense trying to get great video footage with his hexacoptor of a 757 taking off at JFK and the unthinkable happens. Does anyone with any sense of reality think the AMA or any other group or individuals will have a prayer of stopping the wrath of the feds that will come down? There would probably be an immediate ban on all RC aircraft activities for who knows how long and then broad sweeping legislation that would make us jump through so many hoops that most of us will look for a new hobby.
07-30-2014, 09:43 AM
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While I agree with almost everything you wrote, you and Andy are missing the point that was trying to be made. Which is more restrictive laws, or all out ban will not keep guns out of criminals hands, just as strict regulations/laws or all out bans of BLOS FPV will not keep poeple from flying them in a unsafe way. The Constitution, lobbying and Government have nothing to do with this fact.
What the government tries to do is divide and conquer. When they come after what they call "assault weapons"(every weapon is an assault weapon) the bolt action hunter or shotgun owner says "I don't own those so I'm not going to bother worrying about those who do". The powerful gun lobby will come in and fight for any type of gun owner with the same amount of zeal. I completely agree with this tactic but when it comes to RC, the AMA is minnow in shark infested waters when it comes to lobbying power. When a disaster happens where there are numerous souls lost because of a complete disregard for safety and common sense, the AMA and it's members can scream to their representatives in DC but our numbers will sound like a whisper to them. They will pass draconian legislation across a broad swath of RC aviation activities. IMO the AMA needs to distance themselves from BLOS FPV and make it abundantly clear to the FAA that it's not an activity they are associated with or condone. Since these aircraft have hit the mainstream market, the number of news reports on incidents has increased quite a bit. Probably more reports in the last two years compared to the last ten with fixed wing or helicopters simply because they are flying them over populated areas or landmarks and then posting videos.
07-30-2014, 10:21 AM
#199
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IMO the AMA needs to distance themselves from BLOS FPV and make it abundantly clear to the FAA that it's not an activity they are associated with or condone. Since these aircraft have hit the mainstream market, the number of news reports on incidents has increased quite a bit. Probably more reports in the last two years compared to the last ten with fixed wing or helicopters simply because they are flying them over populated areas or landmarks and then posting videos.
07-30-2014, 10:43 AM
#200
IMO the AMA needs to distance themselves from BLOS FPV and make it abundantly clear to the FAA that it's not an activity they are associated with or condone. Since these aircraft have hit the mainstream market, the number of news reports on incidents has increased quite a bit. Probably more reports in the last two years compared to the last ten with fixed wing or helicopters simply because they are flying them over populated areas or landmarks and then posting videos.
"The laws and regulations have not kept up with the new technology".
This is the rapidly developing conclusion being reached by the media and by extension, this is the conclusion they will push onto the general public.
Until maybe 3 months ago, you saw one of these "stupid drone" reports about once a month. A month ago it went up to one a week. Now it is one report every 2 days. The story template is getting traction and I predict daily FPV horror stories. The general public is not going to put up with this.
Don't you guys see what is coming? This stuff is going to get regulated right out of existence and the AMA wants to spend another 1/4 million on defending FPV??
I think the fireworks analogy earlier is good. People that were using them safely were not the problem. Is it fair that everyone was affected by wide regulation of fireworks? No, but it happened anyway. Just like this.