Originally Posted by
rgburrill
"The document it wants to kill is
called Advisory Circular 91-57, and it's a really important one for those who fly drones: issued in 1981, the document sets the
voluntary guidelines under which drones can be flown (
you can read much more about that in our earlier explanation here). The fact that the guidelines contained within it—do not fly higher than 400 feet, do not operate near an airport, etc.—are just that, guidelines, was seen as an implicit suggestion that there are no legally enforceable regulations under which to fine or arrest drone pilots. "
The idea that these "guidelines" are voluntary" or "suggestions" that drone pilots may or may not follow and still be legal is why we have a problem. If instead the hobby drone pilots would have taken the correct attitude that these "guidelines" are what are to be followed IN ORDER TO CONTINUE FLYING DRONES AS A HOBBY there wouldn't be a problem. The FAA is not trying to destroy the RC Hobby. Instead, it is the drone pilots who refuse to accept some simple RC HOBBY RULES who are destroying the hobby.
The idea that AC 91-57 is only voluntary/suggestions has been AMA's position for decades, in particular with regard to FAA stated position in the AC that restricts model aircraft operations to less that 400' AGL
everywhere. It isn't hobby drone pilots that have created to problem by not taking the correct attitude toward the advisory, but they do seem to be the scapegoats du jour.